Your Child’s Hyper Activeness could be a sign of ADHD
Everyone can be restless, disruptive, impulsive and talkative, but when your child finds these traits difficult to control and it starts to interfere with their daily life, the cause may be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. This is a neuro-developmental psychiatric disorder with symptoms that often continue into adulthood. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 12 and diagnosis is done six months after the initial exhibition of symptoms.
What causes ADHD?
Despite being the most studied mental disorder in children and adolescents, the exact cause is not known in the majority of cases. Traditionally, ADHD was blamed on poor dietary habits, watching too much television or poor parenting, but the latest research seems to suggest genetic origins. It also tends to run in families, with diagnosed children having at least one parent who also has it.
What should I expect?
Symptoms can be broadly divided into three main groups – Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsiveness. Inattention involves your child being disorganized, having an inability to focus or pay attention, trouble staying on the topic while talking, forgetfulness of daily activities and easily being distracted. Hyperactivity includes restlessness while seated, regularly getting up to walk or run around, trouble doing tasks quietly and excessive talking. Impulsivity includes impatience, trouble waiting to talk or react and frequently interrupting others.
Will my child outgrow ADHD?
Children will be able to live long and successful lives. While symptoms cannot be eradicated, they may decrease over time. Though ADHD is not curable, it is possible to control and manage it. Treatment includes either counseling or medications or a combination of both.
Without diagnosis in the adolescence, adults with ADHD may not know how to manage it. They may face problems with family, relationships, work, that may eventually land up in depression, substance abuse or accidental injuries. They may even experience feelings of frustration and guilt. But with proper treatment, they will be able to live their lives just like everybody else. Behavioral management techniques and medicines are effective at helping them deal with ADHD.
How to take care of a child with ADHD:
It can be hard to manage a child with the condition or accept that they have it. Here are some tips to help you:
- Take your child for assessment – A doctor is the first person you should approach if you suspect ADHD. Many times children may just display characteristics of disorders with similar symptoms.
- Accept it – While it can be easy to blame yourself or think that some evil has befallen you, do not do either. ADHD is not something that a child catches later on in life, it is due to a disorder in certain areas of the brain. So no one is at fault for it.
- Educate yourself – The best way to tackle something you don’t understand is to learn more about it! There are groups (like on social media) where people share their stories on how they live with children who have ADHD. Instead of seeing it as a problem, try to find alternative methods to care for your child.
- Be your child’s strength – School and friends can be difficult for children with ADHD. Communicate with your child regularly and try to understand them more. Spend time with them by playing games or taking them for an outing.
- Appreciate them – Your child will face life just like every other child out there, aside from dealing with their own challenges. It won’t be easy for them to believe in themselves, so it is important that you do. No matter how small of an achievement, make sure your child knows that you appreciate them and love them. This will go a long way to help them with their confidence and self-esteem.
- Avoid punishment – Children with ADHD do not understand their behavior or the consequences. Try not to raise your voice against them or use physical punishment. Try to calmly explain to them what you would rather have them do or what they did wrong and lead their attention towards something else. No two children are the same, even those with ADHD. So none of them will exhibit exactly the same symptoms or behavior. The same child may not even exhibit the same behavior more than a few times, and they may exhibit new ones. It can be frustrating at times, but try to keep a cool head.
About OMNI Hospitals:
At OMNI Hospitals, we have a range of doctors who are not only experts in their field but are dealing with various medical cases on a day-to-day basis. The combination of experience and expertise is very important to us because our priority is to ensure seamless treatment to our patients while striving to reduce the burden on patient’s family and friends.
About Dr.Radha Krishna Kandula:
A Paediatrician with 32 years of experience. More than 200 Paediatricians trained under him. Worked as Asst. Prof. and Prof. at AMC, GEMS & NIMS Medical Colleges.
Dr. Radha Krishna Kandula, the best pediatrician in Vizag has made a rather exceptional name in the city. According to many, the doctor classifies as one of the ‘go-to’ general physicians in the area. The stronghold this doctor has in the medical field has not only drawn in patients from in and around the vicinity but from across the city as well.
Managing Director, Chief Consultant Paediatrician