Story Content

A-Attention

D-Deficit

H-Hyperactive

D-Disorder

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, which is usually diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. Children with ADHD have less activity in the areas of the brain that control attention.  The main cause of this disorder is not clear, but according to many research, genes play an important role and it runs in families. 

Symptoms

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, home, or with friends. A child with ADHD might have the following symptoms. 

Types of AHDH in Children 

There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are showing in an individual. This include:

Causes and Risk factors of ADHD

Though the exact cause and risk factors for ADHD are not known, but according to recent research, genetics plays an important role. The other possible causes include:

• Brain injuries
• Environmental exposure like lead during pregnancy or at a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature birth or low birth weight

According to research, many factors might make symptoms worse but do not cause ADHD. This includes: 

• Eating too much sugar
• Watching too much television
• Parenting
• Social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. 

Treatments

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For children between 4-5 years of age with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried.

Close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.

How to Calm AHDH in Children: It is important for parents to make strategies and give comfort to their children in order to calm them. The other approach includes: 

• Provide positive attention
• Give effective Instruction
• Praise your Child’s effort
• Hug your child often 
• Help a child to participate in daily physical activity based on age like meditation, exercise, etc.
• Encourage to listen to music, as it helps to change the mood positively.
• Developing healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources can be helpful. 
• Limiting the amount of daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics
• Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age.

The Bottom Line

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. In addition to behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle and parental strategies can help your child to deal with ADHD symptoms.