Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common problems in children. In fact, approximately two million children in the United States alone have been reported to have been diagnosed with this disorder. The causes of this problem have not been known yet although scientists have made several studies to determine its potential cause or causes. Currently, a number of studies are being done to determine if genetic factors have something to do with the occurrence of ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder usually develops during childhood but it could continue until adolescence and even until adulthood. That is why there are also adults who suffer from ADHD. In some cases, adults have not realized they have ADHD during their childhood years and were only able to learn that they have the disorder when they have reached such an age.
Children who have ADHD show signs of inattention, overactivity or hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Thus, this disorder is classified into three types: ADHD inattentive, ADHD hyperactive-impulsive, and a combination of the three, which is the most common type. ADHD inattentive children often show difficulty in sustaining focus and attention, are sluggish and are often drowsy, and often seem to be lost in a daydream. Meanwhile, ADHD hyperactive-impulsive children are often over-active and always on the move, seem to talk endlessly and have difficulty controlling their emotions and may often have temperamental outbursts.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is sometimes confused with and used interchangeably with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). However, these two terms are in a way different. Attention Deficit Disorder is the general term used to refer to the behavioral disorder of children that shows symptoms of ADHD but do not have the impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. ADHD is a subtype of ADD.
Children with ADD often suffer from other problems such as immature motor coordination, increased sleep disturbances, social skills problems, academic performance problems, emotional problems, and conduct or behavioral problems which may include stealing and lying. They tend to have immature play and social awareness and poor self-awareness. They may also suffer from substance abuse problems.
Primary treatment for both ADD and ADHD are the same – stimulants. The most commonly prescribed medications for these disorders are Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. Their effectiveness is backed by many clinical studies and scientific evidences.
When an ADD/ADHD patient cannot tolerate stimulant medications, alternative medications such as non-stimulants and anti-hypertensive drugs may be given.
ADD and ADHD may be a problem but these disorders may also have an advantage on some ADD/ADHD children and adults. One of these advantages is that they can accomplish more tasks since they always tend to be busy and have the ability to hyperfocus when they are so much interested in their tasks. They also have the ability to multi-task and therefore may be able to finish several tasks at the same time compared to normal people. Their high energy can also contribute to their high production capacity. In addition, they can be highly creative.
There are more to ADD/ADHD people than the negative side. If you will understand them better, you will find these people have a lot of positive things in them.
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