ADHD Awareness Month 2016
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, most commonly known as ADHD is a mental disorder that has been observed to be growing in the past decade, rapidly all over the world. It is characterized by not being able to pay proper attention, excessive activity or actions that are beyond a person’s age. The month of October is known as the ADHD Awareness Month 2016.
It starts as early as six years and is in most cases diagnosed in children ranging in the ages of 6-12 years. Sometimes, although they have been diagnosed as a child, few adults still continue to face problems caused by ADHD. But, it has often been noted that despite having ADHD, certain children do not find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that interest them.
Types Of ADHD
There are three predominant types in ADHD namely:
1. Inattentive Type
This is where the individual finds it really difficult to concentrate or focus on anything; completing the work or even trying to complete it.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This is the type where the individual finds it really hard to stick to one thing. They are always fidgeting or running around impulsively or hyper actively. An ADHD patient will keep cutting in at the most inappropriate times and find it most difficult to follow orders. They are the ones that have the most injuries or wounds.
3. Combined Type
The individual shows the symptoms included in both the cases mentioned above. And, this only makes it harder to deal with, or tend to.
Causes of ADHD
There isn’t a specified list of what the actual causes might be, but there are a following set of criterion’s in determining the root causes of ADHD which are as follows:
1. Genetics
ADHD can be passed onto children from their parents. While, at other times, it is mostly found in at least one of a twin children due to the internal weakness developed in them during birth.
2. Environment and Society
Sometimes, the fear of falling behind others around the individual causes him/her to fear their current situations. This makes them easy bait to ADHD. Also, mental abuse plays a very important role in causing ADHD.
Symptoms
As it is ADHD Awareness Month 2016, it is important that we know what the symptoms of ADHD are.
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
An individual, especially an adult suffering from ADHD, often shows the following symptoms
- Difficulty in concentrating on any one particular thing for a long period of time.
- Daydreaming and easy confusion
- Slow learning and understanding levels
- Forgetful attitude along with negligence, including homework or any other work in general
- Not listening properly when spoken to
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
A child on the other hand might show any of the symptoms given below when suffering from ADHD
- Nonstop chattering
- Impulsive by nature
- Gets very fidgety and always in motion
- Inappropriate statements in the most unwanted situations
- Impatience when waiting for their chance in an event or queue
Diagnosis
There isn’t a specified diagnosis process for ADHD. However, it could always be diagnosed by observing closely an individual’s behavior and taking notes of his/her every action throughout the entire day.
Treatment
While counseling is recommended for the treatment of ADHD, there are therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) that are also used to treat ADHD.
CBT: This therapy is simply interacting with the victim trying to figure him/her out, eventually trying to make out what is the root cause of the problem and then finally coming up with a solution for treating it.
It is easiest for parents to diagnose a child. Thus, I would personally say that it would be best if parents found out about their child who is suffering from ADHD and helped them out.
How To Differentiate An ADHD Child From A Non-ADHD Child
Watch this video to experience first-hand, from a child, what ADHD feels like. And, especially in ADHD Awareness Month 2016, always remember that kindness can go a long way in someone’s life.