What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

KAHKASHAN JABEEN
M A Psychology,
Training Head
@Islaah Center for Psychological Wellness

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition in which a person has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, impulsivity, and self-control. Sometimes parents and teachers notice signs of ADHD when a child is very young. But it’s normal for little kids to be distractible, restless, impatient, or impulsive these things don’t always mean that a child has ADHD.

Attention, activity, and self-control develop little by little, as children grow. They learn these skills with help from parents and teachers. But some kids don’t get much better at paying attention, settling down, listening, or waiting. When these things continue and begin to cause problems at school, home, and with friends, it may be ADHD. Visiting a Psychologist will help you confirm if your child has ADHD. A medical check-up done by a pediatrician, including vision and hearing, will be the first step to ensure something else isn’t causing the symptoms.

To diagnose ADHD, The Psychologist may ask parents and the kid several questions. Like, the child’s birth history, health, behavior and things that parents and teachers may have noticed that seemed unusual to their age. This may also include a checklist. Based on the information gathered, the Psychologist will check if the child fits in the following criteria:

• • A child’s inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is not normal to their age.
  • The behavior is continuing for more than 6 months
  • Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affect the child at school and at home.
  • A health check shows that another health or learning issue isn’t causing the problems.

Many kids with ADHD may also have learning problems, oppositional and defiant behaviors, or mood and anxiety problems. These are usually tackled along with the ADHD. Right treatment helps ADHD improve. Behavior therapy may help kids develop positive skills and get in control of their emotions and behaviors. It is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made. Behavior therapy also includes

• • Parent training in behavior management
  • Behavioral interventions in the classroom
  • Peer interventions that focus on behavior and
  • Organizational skills training.

Parents and teachers can teach younger kids to get better at managing their attention, behavior, and emotions. As they grow older they will be capable of managing it on their own to a great extent.