The normal attention span of children usually develops in three stages. They go from focusing on only one object for a very long time, to developing a wide but rapid attention span, and finally they reach the selective attention stage where they can willingly shift their focus. The last stage is crucial for the child to succeed in a classroom setting.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the behaviour or development of young children.
Children with ADHD show persistent signs of inability to sustain focus or inattention, and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. Many children with ADHD could not explain why they might feel out of control sometimes or very lonely. ADHD often lasts into adulthood.
ADHD is more common in boys than girls, and children with ADHD start to develop symptoms before they turn seven years of age.
ADHD Risk Factors
The risk factors of ADHD include both biological and environmental factors. Biological factors include being male. ADHD is more common in boys than girls. ADHD tends to be hereditary, which means it runs in the family and appears to have strong genetic links.
Environmental factors include drug use, high blood pressure and infections during pregnancy, brain infections, head trauma, and lead poisoning.
ADHD Symptoms
There are three main signs associated with ADHD:
- Being overactive.
- Displaying impulsive behaviour, being short tempered, and prone to accidents.
- Inability to pay attention or concentrate on tasks at hands.
These symptoms therefore lead to the child facing challenges in behavioural control, interpersonal relationships, academic performance, and personal issues.
- Academic
- Learning disabilities and not doing well at school.
- Cognitive
- Inability to understand consequences of misbehaving.
- Talking to themselves in a childish way.
- Emotional
- Depression and inability to control emotions.
- Unpredictable moods.
- Aggressiveness and inability to self-control.
- Inability to follow instructions.
- Inability to make friends.
- Lying, stealing, and taking high risks.
- Poor social and problem-solving abilities.
ADHD Treatment Options
The treatment of ADHD may include any or a combination of the following:
- Diet and nutrition changes to improve general health, which may help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
- Educating the child and his/her family on behaviour change.
- Medication to control chemical imbalance in the brain and target brain areas responsible for focusing and self-control.
- Psychological counselling to help boost self-esteem.
It is important to note that education and psychological treatments need to be used together with medication to ensure the best outcome.
Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Get in touch with us to find out more about our Paediatrics Servicesat your nearest Gleneagles Hospital if you have any questions about ADHD. The caring and multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care.
