Hyperactivity Disorder: What Parents Should Know About It

Do your child's anger, inattention, impulsivity, and negatively impact their daily lives? It could be a sign of ADHD!

Children who are thought to be hyperactive are not always so; they might just be mischievous. Therefore, it is important to understand, “What is hyperactivity?” , “What makes a child hyperactive?” and “How it can be treated?”

ADHD or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that affects children and often persists into adulthood. This neurodevelopmental disorder includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty with impulsive behaviour and sustaining attention.

Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and troubled relationships. Although specific symptoms decrease with age, if not detected and treated early, it can be a lifelong disorder that affects social-cognitive functioning.


Now, the question is, what causes ADHD in children?

While the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue. However, genetics, the environment, or abnormalities in the central nervous system throughout key developmental stages may be involved in the development of ADHD.

However, early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are the listed symptoms of ADHD for early diagnosis:

  • Poor organizational skills
  • Impulsiveness
  • Problems focusing on any task
  • Poor concentration
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn
  • Difficulty listening to others
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Excessive activity or restlessness
  • Fidgets excessively
  • Interrupting while others are talking
  • Forgetfulness

Let’s clear the doubt! Can hyperactivity disorder be cured?

No, ADHD can't be prevented or cured!

However, detecting it early and having a strong treatment can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms. Some medications, behavioural therapy, counselling, and education programmes are common treatments for ADHD in children. These therapies can reduce many of the symptoms of ADHD, but they do not cure it. It may take some time to figure out what works best for the child.

It is important to note that the school environment and continuous monitoring of such children are key aspects of successful treatment plans.


Here are some treatment plans that can help reduce hyperactivity:

  • Diagnose the condition early: Early ADHD diagnosis can result in less suffering and healthier coping skills in children. Moreover, the neuro experts will evaluate brain scans to diagnose ADHD because children with ADHD have slightly different structural brains than children who do not have ADHD.
  • Follow the doctor’s instructions: The doctor may prescribe medications and request the parents to make the child follow a certain lifestyle like avoiding particular foods, limiting screen time, and sticking to healthy routines.
  • Maintain a sleep routine: Getting enough sleep allows the brain to absorb and understand academic lessons, which reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. Setting a fixed sleep time for the child, bedtime stories, and limiting high-sugar foods before sleep are all recommended.
  • Encourage exercises: Exercising daily (60 minutes per day) improves in the healing of core ADHD symptoms. Dance, jogging, running, and swimming can help hyperactive children relax and focus on studies and other activities. It can also improve mood and overall quality of life.
  • Keep tasks exciting and break them down: Studies for children with ADHD must be made more interesting. Breaking large activities down into smaller, achievable tasks can be helpful.
  • Praise your child frequently: Positive statements such as "well done," "good job," and so on are not only motivational but also help the child to remain focused and perform better every time. As parents, we must do this frequently because positive feedback will help them in learning and will keep them motivated.

At times, parents may be uncertain of the best strategies to help their child live with ADHD. As a result, seeking expert help is recommended to ensure that the child receives the finest care possible.

If left untreated, children may develop additional mental health conditions and also problems in school, work, and relationships.

Children with ADHD are unique with their abilities.

All they need is support and loads of love!


Citations

https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/27/2/261/2708413?login=true
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)11450-7/fulltext
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/070674379103600606
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-010-1190-y

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