The Indian Express | 1 week ago | 19-03-2023 | 11:45 am
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. They can, though, learn strategies to be successful.Signs of ADHD in childrenA person may experience difficulties paying attention and staying organised, show excessive fidgeting or restlessness, have trouble with self-control or exhibit impulsive behaviour. In children or toddlers with ADHD, this can lead to symptoms at home, in daycare, or at school. A few observed symptoms include:Symptoms of ADHD in teenagersAs children with ADHD get older, the symptoms they experience may change. In some cases, certain symptoms seen in childhood may become less problematic in adolescence, while new symptoms can arise amid the changing responsibilities that accompany growing older.In adolescents and teenagers with ADHD, other symptoms that may appear can include:It is important to understand that while these symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can sometimes cause adolescents and teenagers with this condition to appear “immature,” they are simply a part of ADHD and have nothing to do with a child’s maturity level.Helping a person with ADHDADHD is best diagnosed after age five. Most practitioners do not recommend diagnosis earlier, as it is understood that the child is still growing and certain behavioural changes may be normal and age appropriate.As it is understood that a few symptoms of ADHD reduce/change during adulthood, there are also certain ways in which an adult suffering from ADHD can benefit better. Certain individuals are able to function adequately over time. However, for some individuals dealing with it without treatment, can be tough. Therapy Behavioural therapy is one of the most beneficial types of therapy for ADHD, especially for children and adolescents, because it helps identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that have the most impact. In younger children with ADHD, behavioural therapies that focus on parent training, classroom management, and peer interventions are most effective. In adolescents and adults, a type of behavioural therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be helpful.Lifestyle changesLifestyle changes for ADHD involve strategies that can help you work through the inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that the condition causes. Here are some helpful ways to create structure for yourself if you have ADHD:MedicationIt can be used alone or in conjunction with therapy to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. The combination of medication and therapy together is said to yield quicker results. Giving or not giving medication is a personal choice, however a large number of patients have seen good results with the same. It is a myth that the medication would become addictive or they would put the person under treatment to sleep. ConclusionADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviours can be different in boys and girls. Most healthy children are inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive at one time or another. It is typical for preschoolers to have short attention spans and be unable to stick to one activity for long. Even in older children and teenagers, attention span often depends on the level of interest. Seeing only one sign or trait, does not mean that a child has ADHD. It is also essential for parents to rule out the same from a mental health professional and not self-diagnose the same. Alisha Lalljee is a psychologist, special educator and psychotherapist practising in Bandra, MumbaiFor all the latest Parenting News, download Indian Express App.
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