Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity /impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development.
The following symptoms may be observed in children within 7 yrs of age:
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviours of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviours are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age and symptoms should present in two or more settings, like school, home, etc.
Children who have symptoms of inattention may:-6 or more symptoms should be present for more than 6 months
- Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
- Have difficulty focusing on one thing
- Becomes bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
- Have difficulty keeping attention on work or play at school or home
- Have trouble completing homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
- Appears not to be listening when spoken to
- Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details
- Has difficulty to follow instructions
Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:-6 or more symptoms should be present for more than 6 months
- Fidget in their seats
- Talks nonstop
- Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
- Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
- Be constantly in motion, like clapping hands, tapping feet, etc
- Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:
- Be very impatient
- Blurt out inappropriate comments, answers even before the question is completed
- Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
- Often interrupt conversations or others’ activities
Because of hyperactivity and decrease concentration they are behind in academics instead of normal intelligence. Some of these children may develop learning disorders, oppositional defiant disorder personality and mood disorder later on in life. Hence has to be treated at appropriate age.
ADHD NEEDS HOLISTIC INTEGRATED CARE
- Homoeopathy
- Occupational therapy – play therapy, water therapy
- Counselling – behaviour modification
