Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time.
Many people experience inattention and changes in energy levels. For a person with ADHD, this happens more often and to a greater extent compared with people who don’t have the condition. It can have a significant effect on their studies, work, and home life.
Prevalence of ADHD.
The onset of this condition typically occurs according to a common trend in children, with boys being more likely to show signs and symptoms.
Average age of onset: 7 years old 12 month prevalence: 4.1% of U.S adult population,
️ Percentage of children 5-17 years old diagnosed
️ Percentage of boys 5-17 years old diagnosed
️ Percentage of girls 5-17 years old diagnosed
Causes.
The exact cause of ADHD is not clear but research continues on the topic. Sugar is a suspect in causing hyperactivity, but there is no reliable proof that this directly causes ADHD. Although it may play a role in one’s sustain attention, it is not considered to be a cause of ADHD.
️ Genetics: ADHD can run in families, and studies show that genes may play a role.
️ Environment: Factors, such as lead exposure may increase the risk during early childhood
️ Development: Problems with the central nervous system at key moments of development may play a role.
ADHD symptoms.
A wide range of behaviors are associated with ADHD. Some of the more common ones include:
having trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks
being forgetful about completing tasks
being easily distracted
having difficulty sitting still
interrupting people while they’re talking
Types of ADHD.
To make ADHD diagnoses more consistent, the APA has grouped the condition into three categories, or types. These types are
Predominantly inattentive
Predominantly hyperactivity-impulsive
Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type.
Predominantly inattentive.
️ As the name suggests, people with this type of ADHD have extreme difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions.
️ Experts also think that many children with the inattentive type of ADHD may not receive a proper diagnosis because they don’t tend to disrupt the classroom.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.
People with this type of ADHD primarily show hyperactive and impulsive behavior. This can include:
️ fidgeting
️ interrupting people while they’re talking
️ not being able to wait their turn
️ Although inattention is less of a concern with this type of ADHD, people with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may still find it difficult to focus on tasks.
Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type.
This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this combined type of ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.
These include an inability to pay attention, a tendency toward impulsiveness, and above-average levels of activity and energy.
Physical therapy management.
Physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms as well as improve cognitive function.
Physical activity improves social skills and behaviour as well in those with ADHD, especially children. The ability to maintain attention is improved with physical exercise as well, with better sustained auditory attention.
Gimhan Srinayaka
Supipi Dinuka
References;
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd
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