ADHD is the abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. It is a mental disorder that is usually first seen in childhood. As the name suggests, its main characteristics include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and a tendency to impulsivity. The condition is fairly common but tends to resolve spontaneously in a majority of the affected children. If they have been diagnosed with ADHD Dallas residents need to understand a number of things on the condition.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Persons that are hyperactive tend to talk a lot. Children exhibit hyperactivity by being unable to accomplish tasks that require them to be momentarily silent and immobile or do so with marked difficulty. Impulsivity is characterized by a high degree of impatience. The individual frequently interrupts activities and conversations. Other features include difficulties in anger management, poor control of motor functions and poor language development.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Treatment is mainly through the administration of drugs or through psychotherapy. The common practice is to combine both options so as to increase the chances of succeeding. Stimulants are the main group of drugs. Although these drugs are highly effective, they have a potential for addiction and abuse. Additionally, they may cause psychosis if given to preschool children. Such children may benefit from behavioral therapy.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.
Persons that are hyperactive tend to talk a lot. Children exhibit hyperactivity by being unable to accomplish tasks that require them to be momentarily silent and immobile or do so with marked difficulty. Impulsivity is characterized by a high degree of impatience. The individual frequently interrupts activities and conversations. Other features include difficulties in anger management, poor control of motor functions and poor language development.
There are three sub-types of the condition. The classification is based on the type of symptoms that are seen. The first type is the combined type since all the symptoms are seen. The second is known as the inattentive type (formerly, attention-deficit disorder) since the main feature is frequent lapses in concentration. The third type includes patients that are hyperactive and impulsive but have normal attention spans.
When you notice suggestive symptoms in your child take them to your GP or pediatrician for assessment. Referral to a child psychiatrist may be needed depending on the initial evaluation. Your child has to be observed for at least 6 months to establish that indeed they have ADHD and not any other condition. One of the criteria for diagnosing the condition is that the symptoms must have started when the child is between 6 and 12 years.
For reasons that are not very clear, ADHD is more common in boys than girls. Approximately 30% of affected children may exhibit the symptoms in adulthood. The prevalence of the condition in adults within the general population is about 4%. When seen in adults, the symptoms vary slightly; hyperactivity and impulsiveness are replaced with a constant state of restlessness. The affected individual have a difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Treatment is mainly through the administration of drugs or through psychotherapy. The common practice is to combine both options so as to increase the chances of succeeding. Stimulants are the main group of drugs. Although these drugs are highly effective, they have a potential for addiction and abuse. Additionally, they may cause psychosis if given to preschool children. Such children may benefit from behavioral therapy.
One can lead a normal life even with a diagnosis of ADHD. This is as long as the diagnosis has been made in time and the treatment process initiated. The most effective plan is that which combines different approaches such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Social support plays a vital role in rehabilitation of affected persons and should be available both at home and at school.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information about ADHD Dallas locals can go to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.familycareclinicforadhd.com now.