ADHD

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is better known as hyperactivity.

Understanding

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is better known as hyperactivity. ADHD is a developmental disorder in increasing children’s motor activity that can last into adulthood. This condition causes sufferers to tend to be hyperactive, impulsive, and have difficulty concentrating.

Some of the complications that can occur in people with ADHD are learning disorders that interfere with academic achievement, increased incidence of accidents such as head trauma or fractures, low self-esteem, difficulty interacting with others, and susceptibility to consuming drugs or alcoholic beverages.

Diagnosis

Until now, there is no single examination that can diagnose ADHD. In general, to diagnose ADHD, a person must have symptoms that last more than six months. These symptoms must also appear in different situations.

Doctors usually diagnose ADHD based on guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The doctor will also do a vision and hearing examination. An additional examination that might be done is an electroencephalograph.

If ADHD occurs in adults, then the doctor must explore the history of when he was a child and teenager. In addition, the doctor must also interview the spouse or partner, as well as carry out a neurological examination.

Symptom

Symptoms that arise in the condition of ADHD can vary, ranging from mild to severe.

What can be seen from infancy:

• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Often cries
• Likes to scream
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty consuming breast milk
• Not happy when held

In older children:

• Always on the move or active
• Easily bored
• Looks awkward
• Often has accidents, for example, falls or bumps
• Noisier than other children
• Lacks concentration
• Easily gets angry
• Poor appetite
• Poor eye-hand coordination
• Likes to self-harm own
• Experiencing sleep disturbances

Treatment

Generally, ADHD is difficult to cure. What you can do is reduce the symptoms so that the condition does not become a problem in everyday life.

If symptoms are recurring, don’t panic and get emotional easily. Immediately take your child to the doctor for consultation. Remember, patient behavior in handling children is the key to avoiding unwanted risks.

In children with ADHD:

• Provide high-nutritional food
• Invite children to communicate and tell stories
• Plan children’s day with quality activities
• Balance children’s rest time and physical activity.
• Give the child clear instructions when you ask him to do something.
• Keep sharp and breakable objects out of reach of the child

If you have ADHD:

• Make a daily plan and try to always stick to it
• Exercise regularly
• Find ways to relax more
• Check in with your doctor regularly
• If you have a job, discuss your condition with your boss and colleagues

Apart from these methods,

Some of the therapies that patients can also do:

• Drug therapy

The drugs usually given are methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and atomoxetine.

• Nutrition and diet therapy

People with ADHD must adopt a high-nutrition and balanced diet. Avoid consuming foods that contain preservatives or artificial coloring.

• Supplement

Several studies show that omega-3 and omega-6 can provide benefits for people with ADHD.

• Other therapy

Other therapies that can be done are psychoeducation, behavioral therapy, social therapy, to cognitive behavioral therapy.

Prevention

To prevent ADHD, what you have to do is

• Avoid the risk factors
• Check with your doctor regularly during pregnancy and eat high-nutrition foods
• Avoid foods that contain preservatives and artificial coloring
• Don’t forget to exercise regularly and be diligent in consuming water

Reason

The cause of ADHD is not known with certainty. However, a number of studies have revealed that ADHD can be caused by genetic or environmental disorders or non-genetics.

The following are some non-genetic factors that are believed to increase a person’s suffering from ADHD:

• Mothers who smoke or consume alcohol during pregnancy
• Mothers exposed to toxic substances from the surrounding environment
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Child neglect, child abuse
• Chemicals in food, such as food coloring
• Lack of early detection