Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual suffers from a struggle with paying attention and acting out. People with ADHD may be hyperactive and have impulsive behaviors which lead to unstable relationships, poor performance at work and at school and can also lead to a low self-esteem.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder usually begins at an early age during childhood but in many cases the disorder is not properly diagnosed until later in life. Symptoms of ADHD can persist well into adulthood despite early thoughts that the disorder was only related to children. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can see dramatic improvements in their actions and their lives with proper treatment and care.
Symptoms of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was once well known as ADD or attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. The term stands for the primary symptoms of the disorder which include inattention and hyperactive behavior that is impulsive. The symptoms of ADHD are often more pronounced in children than they are in adults but can be seen in both.
The most common symptoms of ADHD include a trouble with concentration and inability to focus, restlessness and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD will have difficulty completing normal tasks and may even have mood swings that flare up. Some may be considered to have a “hot” temper and to get mad easily which can cause unstable relationships.
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder face many challenges when performing everyday tasks. They may find it difficult to prioritize and to create a schedule that they can actually follow. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder causes difficulty with managing impulses and may even result in outbursts or anger that result in troubled relationships for the individual.
ADHD Causes
There are several different factors that may have a role in the active cause of an individual developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Altered brain function is one cause which has been shown in medication studies to relate to ADHD. People with ADHD have significant differences in the structure of their brains as opposed to those who do not suffer from the disorder. It appears that people with ADHD lack activity in the brain in the area that controls attention.
ADHD is often inherited and studies have shown that the risk of someone having ADHD increases if they have siblings, parents or other family members who also suffer from the disorder. Additionally, smoking or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may also increase the risk of an individual developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after birth. Exposure to environmental toxins such as PCBs are also associated with an increased risk of the development of ADHD.
Children who are exposed to toxins at an early age are also at an increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have shown that preschool children who are exposed to lead in pain or old pipes have an increased risk of ADHD. This type of exposure in children is also linked to disruptive behavior and violent behavior as well as a short attention span.
Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Various types of treatment exist for ADHD. Medical professionals debate over the different treatments and there is no set course of action that is guaranteed to work for every individual who suffers from ADHD. Most often, treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will include medication and counseling or forms of therapy.
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neruotransmitters. The most common types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine. These stimulants can treat the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity but they wear off very quickly so multiple doses are usually need throughout the day in order to maintain the effects.
Stimulants have many different side effects such as insomnia and anorexia as well as increased blood pressure and changes in mood. Children who take stimulants for the treatment of ADHD may suffer from involuntary muscle movements of the face and body. These movements are known as tics. Additionally side effects may include delusions, seizures and high blood pressure.
Psychological treatment for ADHD is provided at rehab centers in the form of counseling and therapy. Psychological counseling otherwise known as psychotherapy can help the individual with ADHD by teaching them ways to improve time management skills and to reduce impulsive behaviors. Psychotherapy can also help people with ADHD to improve their self esteem levels and to learn ways to effectively communicate with family and friends to form better relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often provided to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to help them to learn how to effectively change behaviors so that their condition no longer rules their life. This type of therapy and treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder teaches the individual how to change negative thinking into a positive thought process which allows them to deal with specific challenges in life in a more effective manner.
Marital counseling and family therapy may also be a beneficial form of treatment for people with ADHD. This type of treatment for ADHD will help the family and loved ones of those suffering from ADHD by teaching them more about the condition and how to cope. Marital counseling and family therapy can also help the people with ADHD to learn how their disorder can be linked to the stress on the relationship and how to fix the problems or how to better understand them.
Rehab centers provide various types of counseling and therapy for ADHD depending on the severity of the disorder, the symptoms of the disorder and the lifestyle of the individual. Rehab centers can provide specialized treatment and care that can help an individual suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to live a semi normal life.
