Did you know worldwide approximately 9.4% of children 2-17 years of age that is 6.1 million had ever been diagnosed with ADHD[1]. About 2 million of the more than 6 million children with ADHD were diagnosed as young children aged 2-5 years.
Does your child always feel restless? Is your child not able to pay attention? Or, do you think your kid is hyperactive?
If you feel that these factors are negatively impacting your child’s daily life, then remember, it could be a sign of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is not about knowing what to do, but about doing what one knows.
What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood.
It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
Causes And Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, still the factors that may be involved in the development of this condition include:
-Genetic inheritance
-Smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug usage during pregnancy
-Premature birth
-Low birth weight
-Brain injuries
-Environmental toxins like lead exposure in childhood
Signs And Symptoms
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can become severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. A child with this disorder might:
-Daydream a lot
-Forget or lose things a lot
-Squirm or fidget
-Talk too much
-Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
-Have a hard time resisting temptation
-Have trouble taking turns
-Have difficulty getting along with others
Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy
Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. In addition to behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle can make it easier for your child to deal with the symptoms. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:
-Developing healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources
-Participating in daily physical activity based on age
-Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics
-Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age
Treatment
Although there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments may help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. It is commonly treated with medication, education or training, therapy, or a combination of treatment.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
8 Practical Ways To Manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
World Autism Awareness Day: Know 5 Early Signs Of Autism In Children
References:
1. Data and Statistics About ADHD. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html