Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders found in children. If it is not detected and treated earlier, the symptoms may prolong while the child grows to adolescence. It is a fact that ADHD can’t be cured completely, but proper treatment under the guidance of an expert medical practitioner can alleviate the symptoms. Each child may need various medications along with counselling and support from both parents and teachers.
Diagnosis:
Exact diagnosis plays a pivotal role, as earlier detection is very important. Usually, a child shows the symptoms between three to six years of age. The doctor needs the help of parents and teachers, besides the information gathered about the child from different reliable sources (i.e. school staff). The deficiencies of some chemicals, which are essential for the brain development are linked as a cause of ADHD in children. Those children, who have relatives with ADHD, may develop the symptoms in future.
Treatment:
Stimulants are the most commonly used medicines for the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants can reduce the hyperactive nature of children with ADHD by making them calm. This can enable children to concentrate and allow them to focus their attention on studies and other activities. However, one medicine won’t work with all alike. Some children may develop side-effects with certain medicine and the dosage also varies according to the physical condition and intensity of the disorder. Stimulants are available in different forms, though the ingredients are almost same. After diagnosis, the medical practitioner, most probably a psychiatrist can prescribe the medicines.
The commonly found side effects are decreased appetite, sleep problems and other minor problems. These can be lowered by changing the dosage of the medicines which is individualized to each child with ADHD.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is also advisable. It can be done with the help of a counsellor or psychologist. Within therapy options, behavioural therapy can help a child with ADHD develop proper socially accepted behavioural engagements with peers. He/she can be taught, social skills, socially accepted manners, how to respond to the queries of people etc.
A Guideline for Parents:
- Parents can direct the activity of the child with ADHD in order to make him/her attentive.
- Arrange a time- schedule for each activity.
- Give them simple rules that can be consistently followed..
- Encourage them by giving appreciation while they develop socially proper manners.
- Always maintain eye contact while giving them directions.
- The child should be under the supervisions of trusted adults for effective supervision and observation of treatment applications.
- Give children with ADHD a fixed place to do homework and other specific activities to avoid distractions. Have frequent contact with teacher to get updates on the child's behavior during school activities.
In conclusion, the study on ADHD in children is fast growing. Though a child won’t get cured of ADHD, the negative effects can be reduced by proper medications. A team work of parents, teachers and doctors can make children with ADHD more attentive, more accountable and teach them the techniques of socially acceptable behaviors and adaptations within societal norms.
Resources::
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In: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml