Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

Hyperactivity is a very common condition with a frequency of 5-10% in children. People who experience long-term failure, delinquency, substance abuse, and social problems are likely to be untreated hyperactive people. This situation, which loses functionality when not directed correctly, needs to be brought under control with timely ADHD treatment. Hyperactivity can often be accompanied by other problems. Learning difficulties, behavioral disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, mood and anxiety disorders are the most common accompanying problems. ADHD management, which can be seen together with these problems, should be carried out with the cooperation of family, child and psychologist.

You ask, “What is ADHD?” If you are wondering, if you want to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and how to get the help you need, you can take a look at our article. In this article, Hospitalpark Darica Hospital Psychologist Sena Cabbar gave important information about attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children.

What is ADHD?

“What does ADHD mean?” For those wondering, the question can be answered as follows: ADHD, also called attention deficit disorder, is a behavioral disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood and is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms often occur together; However, in some children, it can be experienced as a single symptom.

Normal Child Behavior or ADHD?

It can be difficult to distinguish between ADHD and normal child behavior. If you notice only a few symptoms, or if the symptoms only occur in some cases, it's probably not ADHD. On the other hand, if your child is showing a range of ADHD symptoms present in all situations at home, school and playtime, it's time to take a closer look. The age at which attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is first noticed is around 3 years old.

Myths and Facts About ADHD

Myth: All children with ADHD are hyperactive.

Fact: Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many children with attention problems are not hyperactive. Children with ADHD who are inattentive but not overly active may appear empty and unmotivated.

Myth: Kids with ADHD can never pay attention.

Fact: Children with ADHD can often concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble staying focused when the task at hand is tedious or repetitive.

Myth: Kids with ADHD can behave better if they want to.

Fact: Children with ADHD may do their best to be well, but they still cannot sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn't mean they act on purpose.

Myth: Children will eventually recover from ADHD.

Fact: ADHD often persists into adulthood. Therefore, you should not wait for your child to overcome the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize symptoms.

Myth: ADHD medications are the best treatment option for ADHD.

Fact: Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder. However, it may not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADHD also includes education, behavioral therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.

What Are the Different Types of ADHD?

There are three main types of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. These:

ADHD, combined type. It is the most common type of ADHD. It is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, as well as inattention and distraction.

ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. It is the least common type of ADHD. It is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behavior without inattention and distraction.

ADHD, the inattentive and distractible type. This type of ADHD is predominantly characterized by inattention and distractibility without hyperactivity.

What Causes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

ADHD is one of the most researched areas in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. However, the exact cause of the disorder is still unknown. Current evidence suggests that ADHD is genetic. It is a brain-based biological disorder. Low levels of dopamine (a brain chemical), a neurotransmitter (a type of brain chemical), are found in children with ADHD.

What Does ADHD Look Like?

When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they imagine an out-of-control child who is constantly on the go, bouncing off walls and irritating everyone around them. But the reality is much more complex. Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly. Some focus too much on one task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are just a little careless, but extremely impulsive.

Which of these children might have ADHD?

The hyperactive child who talks nonstop and can't sit still.

The silent dreamer sitting at his desk and staring into space.

Both at once.

The correct answer is "C".

When Should ADHD Be Suspected?

In order to talk about ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity, lack of attention and inability to control impulses;

• Beginning before the age of 7,
• Being seen significantly more compared to their peers,
• Lasts longer than 6 months,
• Observation in more than one environment such as home, school, open space,
• It should prevent the child from fulfilling the duties and expectations appropriate to his/her developmental level and seriously affect the child's life.

What are the Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

The following are the most common symptoms of ADHD. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. ADHD symptoms are as follows:

Positive Effects of ADHD on Children

ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or ability. Moreover, children with attention deficit disorder often display the following positive traits. Here are the characteristics of the child with attention deficit:

• Creativity. Children with ADHD can be extraordinarily creative and imaginative. The child who dreams and has ten different thoughts at the same time can become a master problem solver or a creative artist. Children with ADHD can be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others can't see.
• Flexibility. Since children with ADHD consider many options at the same time, they do not get stuck on one alternative in the early period and are more open to different ideas.
• Enthusiasm. Kids with ADHD are rarely boring! They are interested in many different things and have lively personalities.
• Energy. Children with ADHD work hard when they are motivated. They also try very hard to be successful. It can be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.

What should be done for distraction in children? Here are Suggestions for Parents:

Parents have an important role to play in management of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. It is not right to prevent the intrusive and aggressive nature of the hyperactive child. If the child constantly hears words such as "stop, shut up, don't" with negative messages, their self-confidence decreases and their stress level increases. So, what is good for attention deficit in children? How to treat a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? It would be more accurate to ask him to express himself and explain why he did this behavior. Entrepreneurship and autonomy of the child should not be hindered. When appropriate, the things that will happen after an aimless and very active behavior can be discussed with the child and he can be made aware of the consequences.