What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of children’s most common and most studied neurodevelopmental disorders. “Neuro” means nerves. Researchers have found distinct differences between neurons, brains, nerve networks, and neurotransmitters in people with ADHD.
ADHD is a chronic (chronic) brain disorder that can cause executive dysfunction. That is, it affects the ability of a person to control their emotions, thoughts, and actions. ADHD causes difficulties for individuals to:
Be aware of their behaviour.
Pay attention.
Control overactivity.
Manage your mood.
Keep your schedule in order.
Concentrate.
Follow the directions.
Sit still.
Most children are diagnosed in childhood, and the illness usually lasts until adulthood. However, a solution is accessible. If left untreated, ADHD can cause severe and long-lasting problems.
How prevalent is ADHD?
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 percent of U.S. children between the two to 17 have been given the ADHD diagnosis. Around the world, 7.2% of children were given the ADHD diagnosis.
Boys and children who are assigned to males at birth (AMAB) are given an ADHD diagnosis nearly twice as often than girls and children who are assigned to females at birth (AFAB). This doesn’t mean that all kids and boys AMAB have ADHD. They show more frequent symptoms of hyperactivity and are, therefore, more easily identified.
Types of ADHD
There are four distinct ways ADHD can manifest itself. Doctors look at the type of symptoms that your child exhibits to identify the disorder in any of these four ways.
A predominantly inattentive presentation
Children with this condition have attention-deficit ADHD only. Providers have previously referred to this attention deficit disorder (ADD) type. Children with inattentive presentation mainly have difficulty focusing, organising, and staying on track and have fewer hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
Children in this presentation have difficulties with hyperactivity and impulsivity and could have less apparent issues paying attention. They may be fidgety or twitch, have excessive energy, and are highly active. Instinctiveness means they can be disruptive to others and behave without thinking. This is the least frequent kind and usually affects younger children.
A combined presentation
Children with this condition show at least six signs of each of the other kinds. Symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present equally. This is the type that people usually identify with ADHD. A majority of cases fall within this category.
Unspecified presentation
In these cases, symptoms may be so severe that children demonstrate dysfunction but don’t meet official symptom criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type. In such instances, professionals give “unspecified ADHD” as the diagnosis.
ADD Vs. ADHD
Providers previously referred to the type of inattentive presentation of ADHD as “attention-deficit disorder (ADD).” In 1994, it was 1994 when the American Psychiatric Association officially changed its name. Providers now call all forms of ADHD “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder” whether or not symptoms of hyperactivity are present. As mentioned above, doctors determine the various types of ADHD by observing the symptoms.
While the name change occurred some time ago, people still call it attention deficit disorder (ADD). The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that the former does not have the symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
There are three significant kinds of ADHD. The provider makes the diagnosis by observing specific symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?
The child’s doctor will issue an assessment based on the presence or absence of specific symptoms. The symptoms have to interfere with functioning in at least two aspects of daily life (such as home and school) and have been present in the last six months.
Providers use the signs of ADHD to diagnose and determine the type of condition: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, combined or unspecified. A Psychiatric Society’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR(TM)) offers guidelines for providers to diagnose.
Mostly intentional presentation
ADHD symptoms in children with poor attention span include trouble focusing, organising, and staying focused. By the DSM-5-TR criteria, a child with this condition must exhibit at least six of these nine behaviours. (The behaviour must be problems in the daily activities at school and home, not only from time to time, since most children are involved in these types of behaviour.)
Inattention to detail is a problem or making mistakes.
The focus remains on the tasks and tasks.
Trouble listening and waking up or appearing distracted.
Inability to follow instructions or work on work.
It isn’t easy to organise the tasks and activities.
Aversion to or dislike of tasks that require constant mental effort.
The habit of losing things often.
They are distracted by external stimuli.
Inattention to daily activities.
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
People with hyperactive/impulsive type display the following ADHD symptoms. According to the DSM-5-TR, children should show at least six of these nine behaviour patterns. They must cause problems in everyday activities.
The act of fidgeting or tapping your feet or hands or squirming regularly.
They must leave their seats if sitting is not expected.
It is climbing or running when it’s not the right thing to do.
Trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Always “on the go” or “driven by a motor.”
I am talking too often.
The blurring out of answers is done before questions are answered.
I need help with waiting to be called upon.
Often, you interrupt the conversations of others or play.
Combination presentation
People with combined types display behaviours from both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive categories. According to the DSM-5, children must show at least 12 total behaviours (at least six distracted and six hyperactive/impulsive behaviours).
What is the cause of ADHD?
Scientists have found variations in the brain structure and function of people with ADHD. The frontal lobe of the brain is the front of your brain, which is the portion behind your forehead. The frontal lobe is accountable for organising attentiveness, making decisions, and utilising language to control behaviour. Researchers refer to this type of focused attention. The brains of those with ADHD are more likely to attain full maturation later than ordinary people.
People who use directed attention stop automatic attention. This is a different type of attention that is extremely strong in those with ADHD. However, directed attention requires a lot of energy and is not easy to master. For those with ADHD, the skills of directed attention tend to be less efficient. Automatic awareness refers to the type of attention you pay when you’re doing something exciting or interesting. Attention-directed is the type of attention you pay when you have to do something exhausting or with low interest. (For instance, in the early years, monotonous routine tasks.)
Additionally, neurons, which are nerve cells, transmit brain signals. These signals move through your brain as networks of neurons. Scientists refer to the automatic attention network within your brain as the default state. They refer to the directed attention network in your brain, the”task-positive” form, or your brain’s executive system. Researchers have discovered significant networks that function differently for people with ADHD. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that help transfer signals between nerve cells another — can also contribute to ADHD.
While researchers have identified the differences in brain function, they cannot comprehend what causes them and why they cause signs of ADHD. However, current research suggests that genetics play a crucial part. ADHD is often a family issue, and a child who has ADHD has a one per 4 odds of having parents who have the disorder.
Other reasons and risk factors for ADHD could be:
Exposure to lead.
Brain anatomy.
Substance use during pregnancy.
Premature birth.
Birth weight is low.
The following aren’t the causes of ADHD:
Allergies.
Immunizations.
Sugar consumption is too high.
I was spending too much time looking at screens.
Poor parenting.
Environmental and social factors, like poverty.
