ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a disorder that affects both boys and girls in their early childhood. However, studies show that boys have three times more risk of developing this disorder than girls.  Though ADHD symptoms appear before the age of seven, it is difficult to diagnose the condition earlier, as the symptoms are most commonly considered as normal child behavior. Something like a adhd test or a clinical depression test is great at getting a diagnosis as well. Awareness of ADHD is important is therefore important to diagnose it at the early stage and provide the most appropriate treatment.

ADHD Symptoms

ADHD children may not be attentive but they may be free from impulsive and hyperactive behavior, or hyperactive and impulsive, but are attentive or inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive. if the child is not able to pay attention to details, has difficulty in staying focused or getting distracted easily, finds it difficult to remember things, get bored quickly even before the given task is completed, loses or misplaces books, pencils or toys frequently or makes mistakes carelessly often, they may be ADHD symptoms of inattention that need proper treatment. Things like pregnancy mood swings could also be a sign of what’s to come. Hyperactivity symptoms in children may include difficulty in playing quietly, leaving his/her seat often in situations where he/she is expected to sit quietly, fidgeting constantly and quick temper.

ADHD symptoms may also include impulsivity signs, such as acting without thinking,  inability to wait for his/her turn in queue, interrupting others often, inability to control emotions and blurting out answers in class without waiting to hear the entire question.

How to Make Accurate ADHD Diagnosis

It does not mean that a child has ADHD, simply because he/she shows some symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. Some other conditions like thyroid problems, sleep problems, neurological conditions, behavior disorder and psychological disorders could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Hence, you need to get the help of a mental health professional to make accurate ADHD diagnosis. The professional makes a thorough psychological assessment by asking the child numerous questions, checks the school and medical records of the child and does medical examination to come to a conclusion. If the child shows the symptoms for more than 6 months,  and the symptoms have a negative impact on his/her life, the mental health professional may confirm that the child is suffering from the disorder. ADHD diagnosis is the first and foremost step that helps the child to get the right treatment.

ADHD Treatment

There are many effective ADHD treatment options available that can help your child get relief from the symptoms and improve his/her performance at school. Medications are prescribed to help the child to increase his/her ability to pay attention, sit still and overcome behavioral problems.

Exercise is one of the natural ADHD treatment options that help ease the symptoms quickly. Physical activity boosts the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which in turn help improve concentration and focus. Exercise helps improve various other symptoms without the risk of side effects.

Helping the child get good night’s sleep daily, giving him/her healthy nutritious foods and offering emotional support to the child can help him/her get relief from many ADHD symptoms quickly. Behavioral therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms and make him/her more productive.