ADHD – Affects 8-10 Percent Of School-Age Children In The US.

Introduction

ADHD is now recognized as a common behavioral disorder that attacks an estimated eight to ten percent of school-age children and stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical problem that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention and used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADHD has no known cure, but it can be successfully managed. This disorder is not caused by poor parenting, excessive sugar, or vaccines, But has biological origins that are not as yet well understood.

Symptoms

Symptoms can gradually appear over the course of many months, and encompass Impulsiveness ( a child who acts quickly without thinking first) and also include abnormal worry, fear, or panic, which can lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea. Such symptoms often improve as children become older and learn to adjust, But although many may “grow out of” these symptoms, more than 1/2 of all kids who have the disorder will continue to exhibit signs of the condition as young adults. The good news is, with proper therapy, children can learn to successfully live with and control their symptoms.

Test

Because there’s no known test that can determine the presence of ADHD, a diagnosis relies on a total and complete evaluation. Your child’s physician may also perform a physical exam as well as tests to check hearing and vision so other medical conditions may be eliminated. A definite diagnosis is hard because there are no tests that accurately detect ADHD. Very few parents are surprised when the results of a physician administered Attention Deficit Disorder examination come back with a positive diagnosis of their child having the Disorder. They already suspect a hyperactivity or attentional problem or they would not be in the physician’s office asking for an ADHD exam in the first place. The greatest problem with such a test is that diagnosis is purely subjective and often depends on the tolerance of the examiner.

Treatment

Effective therapies for ADHD are available, and encompass behavioral therapy and medications. Ultimately, the primary care doctor collects the information, makes the diagnosis, and starts treatment. Some treatments are better than others at taking care of specific combinations of symptoms. Any good treatment plan will necessitate close follow-up and monitoring, and your child’s doctor may make adjustments along the way. When determining the best treatment for your child, the doctor might try various medications in various doses, particularly if your child is being treated for ADHD along with some other disorder. Your child’s doctor may recommend additional treatments and interventions based on your child’s symptoms and needs.

A number of alternative therapies are promoted and utilized by parents including: megavitamins, body therapies, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one “talking” psychotherapy, But scientific research has not determine them to be effective, and most of these therapies have not been studied carefully, if at all. Anti-depressants are sometimes a treatment option; However, in 2004 the FDA issued a warning that these medications might lead to a rare increased risk of suicide in children and teens.

Because it’s important for parents to actively get involved in their child’s therapy plan, parental education is also considered an important factor in ADHD management. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, talk with your physician.

Conclusion

ADHD is a real illness that begins in childhood, is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, and it affects 8-10 percent of school-age children in the U S. It must be diagnosed by a health care professional who specializes in these kinds of disorders in cooperation with parents and teachers. Teachers should create abbreviated assignments or provide extended time for children with ADHD. Even though it can often be challenging to raise kids with ADHD, it’s necessary to remember they aren’t “bad,” “acting out,” or being difficult on purpose. For additional information about ADHD and Adult ADD, see your physician or other health care professional.

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