MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION

What is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? 

ADHD also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a combination of impulsivity and / hyperactivity. 
It is one of the most common disorders that develop in children and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle to function well in many settings, including home, school and in relationships with peers. If untreated , the disorder can have long-term adverse effects in adolescence and adulthood. 

Signs and Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

• Impulsivity : a child who acts too quickly without thinking first
• Hyperactivity: a child who cannot sit still , walks , runs or climbs around when expected to be seated and talks when others are talking.
• Innatention : a child who day dreams or seems to be in another world is distracted by what is going on around him or her.
• Inattention , hyperactivity and impulsivity are the key behaviors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .

It is normal for all children to have these behaviors sometimes, but for children with ADHD the behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 months or more and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age or developmental stage.

What causes Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? 

Scientist are not sure what causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. In addition to genetics researches are looking at possible environmental factors and are studying how subtle brain abnormalities , nutrition and social environment might contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

• Genes: researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder 
• Enviromental factors: studies suggest potential link between mothers smoking or using alcohol during pregnancy ADHD in children.
• In addition children who are exposed to high levels of lead may have a higher risk of developing ADHD
• Brain injury : children who suffered a brain injury may show some behaviour similar to those attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

How is Attention deficit hypereactivity treated?

Currently available treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and improving functioning. Treatments include , medication, various types of psychotherapy , education or training, or ideally a combination of treatments. 

• Medication: in children with Attention Hyperactivity disorder, medication reduce hyperactivity and impulsivityand improve their ability to focus, work and learn. 
• Psychotherapy: different types of psychotherapy are used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorders. Behavioral therapy aims to help children with his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organising tasks or completing school work or working through emotionally difficult events. Behavioral therapy also teaches a child how to monitor his or her own behavior . 
• Such programmes should include help and support for caregivers and teachers in assisting the child. 

What conditions coexist with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also have other conditions, for example they have one or more of the following:

• A learning disability: a child in preschool with a learning difficulty understanding certain sounds, words or have problems expressing him or herself in words or reading and writing.
• Oppositional defiant disorder : children with this condition are overly stubborn or rebellious , often argue with adults and refuse to obey rules.
• Conduct disorder : This condition includes behavior in which the child may lie more often than other children , steal assault others and break other major rules social rules 
• Bipolar disorder : Some children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder May also have this condition in which extreme mood swings from mania ( an extremely high elevated mood) to depression. This diagnosis should be made by a psychiatrist.
• Tourette syndrome: Very few children have this disorder, but among those who do, may also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  People with Tourette syndrome have nervous tics and repetitive mannerisms such as eye blinks, facial twitches, or glamacing. They will also clear their throats , snort, or sniff frequently or bark out words innapropriately. This behavior can be reduced with medication. 
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also may exist with a sleep disorder, bed wetting, substance (drug abuse) , other disorders or illnesses.

Prevention of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not limited to reducing substance abuse in pregnancy. Early detection and intervention can reduce severity of symptoms, decrease the interference of behavioral symptoms on school functioning, enhance the child’s normal growth and development and improve the quality of life experienced by children or adolescents with Attention hyperactivity Disorder.