What
is ADHD?
Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refers to a
range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span.
These may include
impulsiveness, restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness, and
often prevent children from learning and socialising well. ADHD is sometimes
referred to as hyperkinetic disorder.
What
are the symptoms of ADHD?
Attention
difficulties
A child must have
exhibited at least six of the following symptoms for at least six months to an
extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Fails to pay close attention to detail or makes
careless errors during work or play.
- Fails to finish tasks or sustain attention in play
activities.
- Seems not to listen to what is said to him or her.
- Fails to follow through instructions or to finish
homework or chores (not because of confrontational behaviour or failure to
understand instructions).
- Disorganised about tasks and activities.
- Avoids tasks like homework that require sustained
mental effort.
- Loses things necessary for certain tasks or activities,
such as pencils, books or toys.
- Easily distracted.
- Forgetful in the course of daily activities.
Hyperactivity
A child must have
exhibited at least three of the following symptoms for at least six months to
an extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Runs around or excessively climbs over things. (In
adolescents or adults only feelings of restlessness may occur.)
- Unduly noisy in playing, or has difficulty in engaging
in quiet leisure activities.
- Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations where
remaining seated is expected.
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms on seat.
Impulsivity
At least one of the
following symptoms must have persisted at least for six months to an extent
that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.
- Blurts out answers before the questions have been
completed.
- Fails to wait in lines or await turns in games or group
situations.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others, e.g. butts into
others conversations or games.
- Talks excessively without appropriate response to
social restraint.
What
causes ADHD?
Biological
factors
- The child's temperament, as this contributes to their
attitude and personality.
- Studies of twins suggest a genetic link to ADHD. In
80-90 per cent of identical twins where one has ADHD so does the other.
Recent research also suggests there is a greater chance of inheriting the
condition from male relatives such as grandfathers.
- Brain injuries due to birth trauma or pre-birth
problems. The brain structures believed to be linked to the development of
ADHD are vulnerable to hypoxic damage during birth. The damage is caused
by inadequate oxygen reaching parts of the brain while blood flow is
reduced.
Environmental
factors
- Family stress.
- Educational difficulties.
How
is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no single
diagnostic test for ADHD so different sorts of information needs to be
gathered, such as the following:
History
of symptoms
The precise nature of the
difficulties, when they were first noticed, in what situations they occur,
factors that exacerbate or relieve them.
Medical
history
Risk factors that could
predispose the child to ADHD include difficulties and risks in pregnancy and
during birth, for example if the mother was in poor health, very young or drank
alcohol or smoked or had an extended or complicated labour.
Accidents, operations and
chronic medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and heart, liver and kidney
disorders all need to be taken in to account. Also of possible relevance is any
medication the child is taking, as well as any adverse reactions they have had
to medication in the past.
Past
psychiatric history
Enquiring about any
mental health problems the child has had can help rule out depression or
anxiety being behind the symptoms.
Educational
history
This means the level of
their ability and what specific difficulties they have, how they function
within their peer group and get on with teachers, and any behaviour difficulties
such as suspensions or exclusions. A more detailed evaluation of the child's
learning by a psychologist may be necessary.
Evaluation
of the child's temperament and personality
The child's temperament
and personality, those of other family members and the nature of relationships
within the family may need to be assessed. This will include discussion of the
methods used by the parents to manage the child's behaviour and how successful
they have been. Although this seems intrusive, the assessor will remain neutral
and parents should not feel the disorder is 'their fault'.
Family
history
The mental and physical
health of the child's parents and other family members can be relevant,
particularly regarding the incidence of ADHD or depression.
Social
assessment
The family's social
circumstances, such as housing, poverty, and social support may all have an
impact on the child's behaviour.
What
treatment is available for ADHD?
Treatment depends on a
child's exact diagnosis. It should take into account any specific difficulties
and those strengths that may aid their improvement.
- It is not easy to live or cope with a child with ADHD.
Both parents and teachers can follow general guidelines to manage a
child's problematic behaviour but they may
Psychological
treatments
In addition to the
management techniques described, other forms of psychological treatment might
include anxiety management, cognitive therapy, individual psychotherapy and
social skills training.
Homeo treatment for ADHD
Homeopathy medicines works well in child and adult ADHD along with
other therapies.
Whom
to contact for ADHD Counseling & Treatment
Dr. Senthil Kumar is well experienced
Homeopath & Psychologist who treats many cases such problems like ADHD with successful outcomes. Many of the clients
get relief after Taking treatment & attending psychological counseling with
him. Dr. Senthil Kumar visits Vivekanantha Homeopathy Clinic &
Psychological Counseling Center, Velachery, Chennai. To fix an appointment,
please call or mail us:
Vivekanantha
Homeopathy Clinic & Psychological Counseling Center, at
Chennai:- 9786901830
Panruti:- 9443054168
Pondicherry:- 9865212055 (Camp)
For appointment please
Call us or Mail Us
For
appointment: SMS your Name -Age – Mobile Number - Problem in Single word -
date and day - Place of appointment (Eg: Rajini - 99xxxxxxx0 – ADHD – 21st Oct,
Sunday - Chennai), You will receive Appointment details through SMS
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