What is adhd
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD has a brain disorder that affects attention and can lead to problems with social skills, behavior, school performance and other areas of life. Symptoms can start at any age and can persist throughout the child’s life. It is more common in children, but it can also happen in adults.
Identifying a Child Who Has ADHD
A child with ADHD may have more difficulty focusing and being organized than other children their age, but they can still thrive if they are properly diagnosed and treated. The problem is that most people with this disorder go undiagnosed. It’s especially difficult for children to talk about their symptoms with their parents, who can be tempted to think the problem is a normal part of growing up or a personality flaw.
Often, children with ADHD have other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, which can make it even more difficult to treat them with medication and behavioral therapies. Treatment can include a combination of psychosocial interventions and dietary changes to help children manage their condition and improve their daily living skills.
Women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men and are more likely to be misdiagnosed. They have trouble staying focused, may forget appointments or underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete tasks.
They also tend to be impulsive and have trouble keeping emotions in check. This can lead to temper tantrums and angry outbursts, for example.
Inattentiveness
A child with ADHD is frequently inattentive because they have trouble paying attention to details or waiting their turn at a game. This can lead to a lot of frustration and embarrassment.
It’s also very easy for a child to lose track of their own homework or forget important information. This can result in them getting in trouble with their teachers or classmates.
Inattention can also be a result of low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. When this chemical is high, it helps us feel good. In ADHD, dopamine is reduced and that can mean a lack of pleasure from things like food or drinks, or the need to perform risky behaviors to get higher levels.
This can make it more difficult for children with ADHD to control their anger and temper. They may lash out at other kids or their parents or teachers when they are frustrated, for example.
They may also struggle with remembering to brush their teeth or take their medications.
The best way to find out if a child has ADHD is to speak with their doctors and family members. They can help the child set goals and create a plan for treatment.
Ask to see a psychologist or psychiatrist, if possible. These professionals have the training to recognize ADHD, as well as other mental health conditions. They can also recommend treatments and a support system for the child.
Children and parents can also benefit from specialized counseling or therapy to help them cope with the challenges of ADHD. They can learn to recognize their own emotions and feelings, as well as those of their child, so they can better understand what is happening and how to work together. Counselors can teach the child and their parents new strategies to deal with frustration, anger, and irritability. They can also work with the child and their parents to develop a healthy relationship with each other.