ADHD in children (Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD in children (Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity) is a common disorder that can affect children's life. Typically, children with the symptom of ADHD will exhibit constant inattentiveness, hyperactivity, restlessness, or impulsivity as a result of a decline in certain chemicals in the neurological system that has a significant impact on focus, self-control, thinking, and planning abilities, including sequencing events for efficiency. Therefore, early evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial in treating children with ADHD for the best possible outcomes.

What is ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

 ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by dysfunction in the developing forebrain of the central nervous system, which makes certain chemicals with roles in the control of concentration, attentiveness, or inhibition.

ADHD is a chronic condition occurring from childhood to adulthood. The ages of children with ADHD range from 3-12 years old, with seven being the most common age, and it’s three times more frequent in young boys than girls. Young boys with ADHD usually exhibit inattentiveness and restlessness, and easy distraction, while young girls often have a lack of concentration and carelessness more than a short attention span. ADHD can affect the learning development of school-age children, including emotional expressions, behaviors, and socialization, affecting the overall quality of life.

There are three main groups of ADHD symptoms, including:

1. Inattentiveness
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
3. Combination of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

What is the cause of ADHD?

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is caused by the low levels of the neurotransmitters released into the forebrain, such as dopamine or norepinephrine, which control attention span and self-control, both physically and mentally. The causes of ADHD include the following:

1. Biological: The most important factor found to increase a child's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by up to 57% is whether the father or mother has a history of the condition.
2. Environment: Prenatal exposure to chemicals or the accumulation of heavy metals, such as lead, in the body
3. Maternal behavior: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs while pregnant are all risk factors that can increase the risk of ADHD in the fetus.
4. Premature birth: Premature birth and low birth weight babies have a high likelihood that a child will develop ADHD. They are more likely to have learning disorders too.

What is Pseudo-Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder? (Pseudo-ADHD)

Pseudo-Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Pseudo-ADHD) is similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- more common in modern society, where parents frequently leave their children unattended, toying with various electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and iPads, or leave them unsupervised, watching television for many hours. Children engaged in such behavior; will likely become aggressive, disobedient, impatient, hotheaded, dissociative, and have delayed speech and communication skills. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

There are three main classes of ADHD symptoms:

1. Inattentiveness: Constantly distracted or unfocused
   • Unable to concentrate on anything for an extended time, carelessness, or disregard for details while doing work, homework, or other activities.
   • Lack of listening attentiveness, paying no attention to the speaker
   • Disobeying instructions and failing to finish tasks or homework
   • Lack of organizational skills, inability to plan or manage events
   • Avoid working on or disliked task assignments that require concentration for a prolonged period, such as making reports.
   • Frequently forget daily necessities like textbooks, pens, pencils, wallets, keys, phones, or glasses.
   • Easily distracted by self-interest and shifts focus to other things.
   • Consistent inability to focus (inattention)
2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Loss of self-control, unusual aggression, and restlessness
   • Lack of awareness, impulsivity, carelessness, or recklessness
   • Fickleness, restlessness, and randomly picking up and playing with enticing objects all the time.
   • Having trouble staying seated or moving swiftly out of place in the classroom and other settings
   • Talk constantly, invite friends to chat while studying, and make noise.
   • Interrupts conversation or blurts out while others are speaking.
   • Interrupt class lessons or become uncontrollable when participating in serene class activities.
   • Impatience
   • Being aggressive, domineering, or irritable
3. Combination of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity:
   • Inability to concentrate on one thing for an extended period
   • Impulsive behavior and a lack of emotional restraint
   • Inability to restrain oneself from inappropriate behavior that has already been committed or is currently occurring.

 
What are the treatments for ADHD in children?

ADHD requires a combination of treatments. Parents should observe their child's behaviors closely. If you suspect your child may have symptoms of ADHD, take them to a pediatrician with expertise in ADHD. The pediatrician will make a diagnosis and determine the treatment plan based on the following criteria:

• Compare the child's various behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to determine whether the child exhibits symptoms of ADHD.
• Identify the underlying causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and diagnose the subtype of ADHD from the symptoms' manifestations.
• Identify comorbid conditions, such as depression, stress, or anxiety which may exist concurrently.

Effective treatment of ADHD or Pseudo-ADHD symptoms requires the cooperation of numerous parties, including the children, parents, teachers, caregivers, and classmates. The different types of treatment include:

1. Behavior modification
   • At home
     • Set up a clear schedule and a household agreement in detail for children as a reminder: Understand time management, task organization, and the ability to prioritize tasks while being closely supervised by a parent, for example, gradually assigning the child ten homework assignments, allowing the child to take a 10-minute break to engage in an interest-related activity, and then allowing the child to return to homework then take another break. Repeat this alternately until the child finishes the assignment. When possible, compliment the child for completing their assignments. You can also offer prizes to a child to motivate them and boost their self-esteem.
     • Communicate with children in a clear, concise, and understandable way: Encourage the children to participate in a conversation while also listening to others. Parents should be careful to use a non-aggressive tone of voice, not making them afraid while creating positive encouragement for children to develop themselves further. If the children understand the message, give a compliment to encourage them and let them be proud of themselves.
     • Encouraging children to participate in activities with family members: To help steer children's attention away from mobile device screens for an extended period or from behavior that shows a lack of concentration, encourage children to participate in outdoor sports or family activities at home. Parents should be good role models in being patient with children.
   • At school
     • Make the proper adjustments to the child's learning environment: Set up a suitable table for the child to sit in the middle of the room, close to the front board, and away from any windows or doors that might distract a child, making the classroom a suitable place for learning.
     • Call the attention of a child, if he/she starts to lose concentration while studying: The teacher might address the student by name or ask for assistance with tasks like distributing items to friends, setting up equipment, or supporting other students in group activities. Be sure not to convey dissatisfaction or use a harsh tone when asking for help from a child.
     • Reward or congratulate a student for their achievements: When a student completes a task assignment successfully, the teacher should congratulate them or give them small prizes to boost their self-esteem and inspire them to continue working on their task assignment until they are successful.

2. Drug treatment
   • Medications that stimulate the neurological system and brain function: These medications are safe and effective at enhancing the release of neurotransmitters and help a child concentrate better after the treatment. Children will be more concentrated on learning, better able to maintain self-control, and have opportunities to practice their social skills with their friends around them.
   • Medications that do not stimulate the neurological system and brain function: Use this group of medications as an adjunct treatment or use in children who cannot tolerate the side effects of drugs that stimulate the neurological system and brain function, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping.
     Each child may respond differently to the treatment; the pediatrician will diagnose and prescribe appropriate medications and carefully monitor each child's response to the drugs and side effects. Treatment for ADHD can only be successful with the help and support of parents, guardians, and schoolteachers who can assist children in their recovery, development, and transition from children with ADHD into healthy, bright adults with development progression and physical strengths. 

What should we do if a child has suspected ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder found in childhood through adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can have an impact on the overall quality of life and general well-being of a child. 

If the parents suspect your child may have ADHD, you should closely observe and note down your child's behavior and seek professional advice from an experienced pediatrician specializing in ADHD. The pediatrician will conduct a physical examination, inquire about your child's medical history, and plan the best possible treatment options. Early treatment will have a higher chance of a fast, successful recovery.