Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD as it is called is predominantly the disorder of children characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Children
with ADHD are typically children with normal intelligence IQ quotient but low
academic record. ADHD is one of the causes of diminished academic output
despite normal intelligence.
Presentation
of ADHD
Children
with ADHD present with following complaints-
1. Inattention
in school, work, home and social settings. Teachers may complain that the child
does not listen in school while the class is going on. The classwork is usually
found incomplete. The child is easily distracted. Patents might notice that he
does not listen to them. They do not do homework completely. The child is
unable to complete any task and frequently engages in another task. Frequently
shuffles channels of television.
2. Hyperactivity-Teachers
may complain that the child does not sit on his chair while the class is in
progress. Parents see that the child does not eat food in one go and runs here
and there between meals.
3. Impulsivity-
Engages in frequent fights. They are angered easily and can cross road without
checking on sides for vehicles. They are very prone to get injuries frequently
and jumps their turns.
Cause of ADHD
A
prenatal insult to brain is provided as an explanation to reason for
development of ADHD. There might be familial history of ADHD.
Diagnosis
of ADHD
Although
the above symptoms almost seal the diagnosis of ADHD but for a confirmation of
ADHD a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist is must.
Treatment of ADHD
Treatment
of ADHD includes-
1. Psychological
2. Pharmacological
Psychological
treatment includes various exercises which include attention span increasing
tasks such as separating two types of grains, coloring figures without spilling
color outside the figure, block assembly.
Pharmacological
treatment includes drugs like amphetamines, atomoxetine, methyl phenidate,
clonidine, venlafaxine.
Prognosis
of ADHD
With
proper treatment, symptoms associated with ADHD are adequately controlled and
academic performance rises. But if treatment is discontinued the symptoms
frequently reappear.
Course
of ADHD
Around
50 % of children remit and lead a normal life. Rest may have the disorder
throughout life but inattention and hyperactivity improve impulsivity being
most resistant.
Wishing
a long and healthy life
Dr
Hitesh Sharma
MBBS MD(Psychiary)
For asking a query or phone/video consultation with me visit- https://www.icliniq.com/hitesh
