What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a type of brain disorder that can be found in children from around 4-5 years of age and older, and it occurs in about 5% of school-age children. Children with ADHD may visit a doctor due to learning problems such as lack of concentration, difficulty understanding lessons, or inability to complete tasks. They may also show behavioral problems such as being unable to stay still, playing roughly, or showing defiant and oppositional behavior.

 

ADHD is caused by an imbalance of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for controlling attention and organizing thoughts and actions. Genetic factors and complications during pregnancy are believed to contribute to this imbalance. Importantly, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or pressure from parents, as many people mistakenly believe.

 

ADHD has two main symptom groups. The first is inattention, which often appears as learning difficulties. The second is hyperactivity and impulsivity, which usually appears as behavioral problems. These symptoms may initially seem minor but can affect other aspects of a child’s development, such as self-confidence, relationships within the family, and relationships at school. Therefore, children who show these symptoms should be evaluated early to allow proper diagnosis and prevent further negative effects.

 

ADHD can be diagnosed by medical specialists such as child and adolescent psychiatrists or developmental pediatricians. Doctors will assess problems in different areas to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as neurological disorders or anxiety. Diagnosis is usually done through interviews with both parents and the child. Blood tests or brain scans are generally not required. Doctors may also assess behavior at school through questionnaires completed by teachers or conduct an IQ test performed by a clinical psychologist, depending on the individual child’s needs.

 

Treatment for ADHD usually includes behavioral modification and medication. Behavioral modification involves setting clear goals for positive behavior and providing encouragement or praise when the child consistently demonstrates good behavior. However, behavioral modification takes time and must be practiced consistently, often with guidance from a doctor throughout the process.

 

Medication is commonly used today because it provides quick, convenient, and safe results, and it can be used together with behavioral therapy. There are several types of ADHD medications available, and the effectiveness of treatment depends on various factors such as the severity of symptoms, the type of ADHD, and other conditions that may occur alongside ADHD. Doctors will carefully evaluate whether medication is necessary and will monitor the child’s progress continuously after treatment begins.

 

Methylphenidate tablets are the most commonly used medication for treating ADHD because they are effective, fast-acting, and easy to use. The medication typically remains active in the body for about 4-6 hours. Taking the medication regularly does not cause drug accumulation in the body and does not lead to addiction. However, it may cause side effects such as loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and headaches, so children taking this medication should be monitored regularly. Because the medication has a relatively short duration of action, it may need to be taken several times a day to control symptoms throughout the day.

 

From all of this, it can be seen that ADHD is not a frightening condition as many people believe. Children with ADHD can attend school and live their daily lives normally. Early diagnosis and treatment are not difficult and can produce good results, helping prevent more serious problems in the future such as school truancy or substance abuse. Understanding the condition correctly and continuing treatment through both behavioral modification and medication are very important for successful outcomes. Most importantly, love and attentive care from parents play a crucial role in helping children overcome ADHD.

 

 

 

source : Synphaet Children's Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team