Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects millions of children, according to MayoClinic.com. Although many people outgrow the disorder, for others it persists for a lifetime, making adolescence and adulthood a challenge. All children show some signs of ADHD leading some parents to mistake normal behavior for this disorder. For instance, most children have a hard time sitting still for hours and paying attention throughout the school day. However, tasks like these for children with ADHD are close to impossible.
Symptoms
The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Helpguide.org reports that children with this disorder make careless mistakes, forget instructions, struggle with staying organized, misplace and lose things, talk excessively, and blurt out answers without being called on. They may act in socially inappropriate ways, become frustrated easily, and throw temper tantrums.
Diagnosis
KidsHealth reports that a child must display symptoms of ADHD before seven years of age to qualify for this diagnosis. His behaviors must be more severe than those of his peers, and they must have lasted for at least six months. There isn't a specific test that parents or teachers can give a child to determine if the child suffers from ADHD. To receive this diagnosis, the child and his parents need to complete an evaluation with a mental health professional, such as a social worker or psychologist.
Causes
Many people falsely believe that sugar or bad parenting can lead to ADHD. Instead, a combination of factors can increase the risk of developing this disorder, including genetics and prenatal exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke and alcohol. Certain chemical changes in the child's brain and altered brain anatomy are also associated with ADHD, according to KidsHealth and MayoClinic.com. Young children exposed to environmental toxins such as lead might also have an increased risk for developing ADHD.
Effects
Some children with ADHD get labeled as bad kids by their teachers and other parents, because they constantly interrupt the class and get into trouble. These children can develop low self-esteem and lack confidence. Some experiment with alcohol and drugs to self-medicate, developing a substance abuse problem later in life.
Treatment
Treatment for children with ADHD usually includes medication and counseling. The most commonly prescribed type of medication for ADHD is a stimulant, such as Ritalin or Adderall. If stimulants aren't effective, Strattera, a nonstimulant, might be recommended. Through individual and family counseling, the child and family learn behavior strategies to reduce and cope with the symptoms of ADHD. If parents go through the appropriate channels, the child can also sometimes receive special accommodations at school. For example, she might need more time to take tests or complete large projects.
Considerations
Many children with ADHD also have other mental health issues, KidsHealth reports. Over 35 percent of children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder and approximately 18 percent suffer from depression. Other mental health issues that coexist with ADHD include anxiety disorders and learning disabilities. Children who suffer from more than one mental health disorder need treatment for both.
