INFORMATION ON ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurological disorder, always present in childhood, which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility. In neurological pathology, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is currently considered to be a chronic syndrome for which no medical cure is available. Both children and adults may present with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is believed to affect between 3-5% of the population. Although Its presence in adults is unknown, epidemiologic studies thus far reveal that the condition, marked by inattentiveness, difficulty getting work done, procrastination, or organization problems, probably exists in about 2-4% of adults. The condition persists to adulthood in about half of children diagnosed with the disorder.

SYNONYMS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
2. Hyperactivity.
3. Attention deficit disorder.
4. Hyperactive syndrome.
5. Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
6. Adult hyperactivity.

CAUSES OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

There are a variety of causes for poor attention, concentration and impulse control.

Some other causes are:

1. Immaturity and slow psychological development.
2. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia.
3. Anxiety.
4. Depression.
5. Low thyroid.
6. Low motivation.
7. Lack of sufficient sleep.
8. Poor nutrition.
9. Boredom due to lack of challenge.

SYMPTOMS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Certain symptoms are present in children:

1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
6. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework.
7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities, such as toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools.
8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
9. Is forgetful in daily activities.
 

DIAGNOSIS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder requires a medical diagnosis by a doctor, usually a child or adolescent psychiatrist, a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist. A list is prepared on :

Child family history,
Social assessment,
Evaluation of the child's temperament and personality,
Past psychiatric history,
Medical history,
And after that a brief diagnosis is made based on these conditions.

TREATMENT OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

The treatment includes a variety of medications such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, which are stimulants that decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention. Behavior modification and educational interventions. The results of a large randomized controlled trial suggested that medication alone is superior to behavioral therapy alone, but that the combination of behavioral therapy and medication has a small additional benefit over medication alone. Treatment should include structured classroom management, parent education, and tutoring and/or behavioral therapy for the child.