Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a disease which affects a child or an adult’s mind setup in an adverse way that ultimately reduces his or her concentration power. Apart from lack of concentration, a patient suffering from this ailment may also become hyperactive and face learning problems. It is actually a kind of childhood specific behavioral disorder. A victim of this disorder can not concentrate on anything and gets distracted quite often. He or she becomes impulsive by nature and also develop a restless and unstable temperament which hampers their future career progression. This disorder is commonly known as hyperactivity. However, it would be wrong to confuse it with the usual playful and naughty nature of a growing kid.
Causes Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
There are some chemicals in the human brain that transmits nervous sensation and signals called neurotransmitters. If a child inherits imbalanced neurotransmitters, he may fall prey to this disease. The human brain encounters millions of stimulation every minute but sometimes it can not filter all of them as per the requirement A child suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder fails to process information at a steady pace and tends to get distracted easily.
The decision making power of the child is significantly reduced and certain brain chemicals like dopamine and noradrenaline may be imbalanced in these cases. However, it should be kept in mind that this is a generalized view and the specific hormone which causes this imbalance has still not been discovered. The researches have indicated that patients of this disorder may show a plethora of different behavior patterns.
Sometimes it is the heredity or genetic factor that is blamed. However no particular gene has been identified and it is believed that several genes may be responsible for this disorder. What is a significant fact to note that research through all ages have been unable to show continuous neurobiological differences between the child who suffers from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a normal child.
The fast food habit of the kids is also suspected to be one of the reasons behind hyperactivity. Several parents commonly believe that food additives can aggravate hyperactive behavior. In fact recent research clearly demonstrates that artificial food colors, as well as sodium benzoate - which is used as a preservative in foods like ice-cream can increase the chances of one having this ailment. Nonetheless nothing conclusive has been proved in this regard.
Types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Every victim of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may not show the same symptoms. There are some categories of the disorder. They are predominantly inattentive ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and combined ADHD. Usually, most of the victims belong to the last category. There is another type that does not fit into the aforesaid three. Some of the children suffering from ADHD may also develop a disorder called dyslexia. This may eventually lead to low self esteem. These ailments can affect one’s family life and education adversely.
How can Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder be recognized?
As already mentioned, a hyperactive child suffers from lack of concentration. They do not want to sit at a place for a long time if required. They do not play quietly. It becomes very tough for people to make them follow instructions. In some cases of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the affected children start doing a work without finishing a previous one. They often interrupt others and get involved in disastrous activities that may harm them. The disease can also make the children anxious, depressed or obsessive. They may suffer from lack of synchronization, language or speech problems. While in some cases the hyperactivity diminishes with age and arrival of adulthood, some victims retain the traits.
Treatment
It becomes really difficult to prevent
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as its causes are not known. There is no remedy as such for this ailment. But early detection coupled with family support can be helpful in reducing the effect. A veteran psychologist should be approached for treating hyperactive children. The treatments can involve stress and behavior management along with educational support. Some stimulant medicines are also used to develop a child’s capability to concentrate. With adequate help, many hyperactive people overcome the problem in their mature years.
