ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a medical term for a mental disorder in the form of impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
ADHD symptoms make it difficult for children to focus on one thing at a time.
Although more prone to occur in children, the symptoms that appear can persist into adolescence and even adulthood. ADHD is divided into 3 subtypes, namely:
- Hyperactive-impulsive dominant. This type usually presents with hyperactivity problems along with impulsive behavior.
- Dominant inattentive. This type is characterized by difficulty paying full attention to one thing at a time. Children with this condition tend not to be able to pay attention well.
- Hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive combination. This type shows characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s ability to function in many aspects of life, such as at school, at work, and even at home.
So, what do people with ADHD feel? ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults can be different.
It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms. Doctors generally only diagnose ADHD in children or adolescents, with the average age being 7 years.
Meanwhile, adults with this condition may have shown symptoms since childhood or adolescence.
However, parents often ignore the symptoms that appear. This is what then causes the diagnosis to often be late.
1. Symptoms of ADHD in children
The main symptoms of this health disorder are inattention, hyperactive-impulsive actions, or a combination of both. So, what are the characteristics of children with ADHD?
- Difficulty paying attention and staying organized.
- Having excessive anxiety.
- Having problems with self-control or impulsive behavior.
Meanwhile, parents can easily recognize ADHD symptoms in children by paying attention to these things.
- Children have difficulty focusing on activities and become easily distracted.
- Low attention span when playing or doing schoolwork.
- The child becomes restless and has difficulty sitting still.
- Always need movement or running around a lot.
- Talking excessively and interrupting others.
2. Symptoms of ADHD in adolescents
As children with this disorder get older, they will show changes in symptoms.
In some cases, certain symptoms seen during childhood may diminish as the child becomes a teenager.
However, new symptoms may emerge as the child’s responsibilities change and he or she gets older.
Teenagers with this problem usually show some of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other work.
- Often makes mistakes when doing tasks or work.
- Having difficulty completing tasks, especially schoolwork or homework.
- Having problems with organization and time management.
- Frequently forgetting things or losing personal items.
- Often avoids mentally tiring tasks or work.
- Difficulty navigating social and family relationships.
- Experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity.
Although ADHD can make teenagers look “immature”, the symptoms that appear are actually just part of ADHD and have nothing to do with the child’s level of maturity.
3. Symptoms of ADHD in adulthood
Most people with ADHD receive a diagnosis during childhood. However, parents often ignore or misinterpret the symptoms that appear.
As long as ADHD symptoms appear in a person before the age of 12, this means they can still receive a diagnosis in adulthood.
In adults, ADHD symptoms may look different than those that appeared in childhood or adolescence.
This can happen because of the difference in responsibilities as adults. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can include:
- Difficulty completing tasks or work.
- Having issues with self-esteem and overall mental well-being.
- Abusing substances, especially alcohol.
- Having difficulty in relationships with partners, family, or coworkers.
- Frequent accidents or injuries.
ADHD Risk Factors
Any child can experience this mental health disorder. However, there are several risk factors for ADHD to be aware of:
1. Genetic factors
Genetic factors play a major role in the development of this condition. If there is a history of ADHD in the family, the risk of developing the disorder tends to be higher.
2. Disorders during pregnancy
Factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to toxic substances, use of alcohol or illegal drugs, and excessive stress in pregnant women, can increase the risk of ADHD in children.
3. Premature birth or LBW
Children born prematurely or with low birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of developing ADHD.
4. Head trauma and lead exposure
Significant head injury at an early age may be a risk factor for the development of ADHD.
High exposure to lead in children may also contribute to the development of ADHD.
5. Neurological disorders
Children with a history of other neurological or mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder or autism spectrum disorder, may be at higher risk of developing ADHD.
6. Environmental factors
An unsupportive environment, family stress, exposure to toxic chemicals, and lack of social support can increase the risk of ADHD.
Several studies have also shown a link between air pollution and an increased risk of ADHD in children.
7. Lack of nutrition and rest
Inadequate nutrition or certain nutritional deficiencies during a child’s growth and development can affect brain function and influence the risk of ADHD.
Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances in children can also affect concentration and behavior, which are related to ADHD symptoms.
Causes of ADHD
Experts still don’t know what causes ADHD for sure to this day.
However, these mental health problems can arise due to an imbalance of chemical compounds (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Experts suspect that the following conditions can trigger this condition in children:
1. Genetics
To date, genetics is the only major cause of ADHD. In addition, the condition tends to run in families.
In many cases, experts suspect that genes from one or both parents are a significant factor in the development of this disorder.
2. Function and structure of the brain
Studies have identified some possible differences in the brains of people who develop ADHD from those who don’t have the condition. The research used brain scans.
As a result, certain areas of the brain may be smaller in size in someone with ADHD, while other areas may be larger.
Other studies have also shown that someone with this condition may have an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In addition, another hypothesis states that the chemicals in the brain may not function properly.
3. Exposure to neurotoxins during pregnancy
In addition, experts also suspect that there is a link between ADHD and certain neurotoxic chemicals, such as lead and some types of pesticides.
Lead exposure in children can affect their educational attainment. It is associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Meanwhile, exposure to organophosphate pesticides has also been linked to mental disorders. These are chemicals widely used on lawns and agricultural products.
Studies have shown that organophosphate chemicals have the potential to have negative effects on children’s nervous development.
4. Smoking and consuming alcohol during pregnancy
Being an active or passive smoker during pregnancy is also associated with the behavior of children with ADHD.
In addition, children who are exposed to alcohol and drugs while still in the womb are also more likely to experience similar conditions.
ADHD Diagnosis
Children who have difficulty concentrating and show hyperactive conditions do not always have ADHD, this also applies to teenagers.
It is true that parents may notice that teenagers often do not listen to conversations, exhibit impulsive behavior, and are easily distracted by distractions.
However, this does not necessarily mean that they have ADHD. Because this condition often goes undiagnosed in childhood, it is important for parents to know the symptoms and recognize how they differ from normal child behavior.
In order to get an accurate diagnosis, cooperation from many parties is needed.
Initially, the pediatrician together with the psychiatrist will examine the physical and mental condition of the child, family, and teaching staff who interact with the child.
This examination actually has several purposes:
- Getting a proper diagnosis, whether the child really has ADHD.
- Knowing how severe this condition is.
- To find out whether or not there are other medical conditions that show the same symptoms.
- Detecting whether the child is experiencing other mental health problems.
To help establish a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
These tests include liver function tests, blood tests, MRI of the brain, and thyroid tests.
ADHD Treatment
Unfortunately, children with ADHD cannot be completely cured.
However, a combination of medication and therapy can help reduce the symptoms that appear, so that sufferers can still carry out normal activities.
The ADHD treatments that can be taken are :
1. Medicine
The doctor will prescribe the drug methylphenidate, which is commonly used to treat ADHD.
This drug works by making the levels of chemical compounds in the brain more balanced. Thus, the symptoms that appear can be reduced.
Methylphenidate is considered safe for children, but doctors still monitor the child’s condition for anticipatory measures for possible side effects. For example, abnormalities in the heart organ.
If the child experiences side effects or there is a high risk of experiencing them, the doctor can prescribe other types of drugs, namely amitriptyline, atomoxetine, and drugs that are included in the alpha agonist group, such as clonidine.
In addition, amphetamines and methylphenidate are two examples of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. However, both must be based on a doctor’s prescription and advice to prevent unwanted effects.
2. Psychotherapy
Another treatment method is psychotherapy. In addition to treating this condition, therapy is also useful for treating other mental health problems that can arise with ADHD, such as depression.
Types of therapy that can be considered are:
3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy has the main goal of helping sufferers change their behavior and thought patterns when they are in certain conditions or problems.
4. Psychoeducational therapy
Next, psychoeducational therapy. When undergoing this therapy, the psychiatrist will invite the sufferer to tell a story. For example, the sufferer’s difficulties in dealing with the condition.
Through this therapy, psychiatrists hope that sufferers can find the best way to deal with the symptoms that appear.
5. Social interaction therapy
Then, social interaction therapy can help sufferers to know the appropriate social behavior for a condition.
Parents, caregivers, families, and teachers certainly need direction so they can provide support to sufferers.
This is why people involved with sufferers also need to receive special training.
Typically, the training will provide the following materials:
- The right way to give praise as a form of support for children.
- Solutions when children exhibit bad behavior.
- Provide direction for children’s activities that are appropriate to their capabilities.
Meanwhile, to help children control the symptoms that appear, parents can also slowly discipline themselves to adopt a healthy lifestyle, by:
- Implement a healthy diet with balanced nutritional intake.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Through the article Here’s the Relationship Between Sleep Patterns and ADHD, parents can learn why children need to get enough rest.
- Limit time spent watching TV, playing games, and interacting with gadgets.
- Encourage children to do physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day.
Although it cannot be cured, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible can help sufferers adapt to their condition and carry out activities as usual.
However, parents also need to understand that ADHD treatment requires commitment and thorough preparation from many aspects. Starting from financial, time, to emotions.
ADHD Complications
ADHD that is not treated immediately can complicate the lives of children and adolescents. They can experience the following conditions:
- Children often have difficulty in class, leading to academic failure and judgment by other children and adults.
- Tend to have more accidents or injuries than children who do not.
- Having poor self-esteem.
- Having difficulty interacting and being accepted in peer and adult friendships.
- Are at increased risk for alcohol and drug abuse and other delinquent behavior.
Not only that, ADHD can also make adult life more difficult, such as:
- Poor academic and career performance.
- Becoming unemployed.
- Having problems with finances.
- Often in trouble with the law.
- Alcohol addiction and other substance abuse.
- Often experience vehicle accidents and others.
- Unstable relationships, whether with partners, friends, or family.
- Poor physical and mental health.
- Poor self-image.
- Having attempted suicide.
ADHD Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no specific prevention that can be done against ADHD.
However, parents can reduce the risk of mental disorders by starting as early as possible during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should not smoke, consume alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, and as far as possible keep their children away from cigarette smoke and exposure to toxic substances that can be harmful to their health.
Another way is:
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet that can affect brain development and cognitive function. Avoid high-sugar and junk foods and be sure to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins in your daily diet.
- Even though you are pregnant, you still need to be active. Light exercise has been proven to prevent complications during pregnancy.
- Reduce stress by doing hobbies, doing light exercise or practicing relaxation techniques.