Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity: causes and treatments

We can distinguish between several types of disorders based on hyperactivity and inattention:

• Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This is the most common case and is characterized by a complete presence of the disorder. It is known as the combined type.
• Lack of attention. There is a problem concentrating , listening, and performing tasks.
• Hyperactivity It is the least common case of the three and is characterized by difficulty staying still when necessary or having difficulty relaxing.

The main cause that explains the origin of the development of ADHD is genetic transmission . It is a neurobiological disorder in which different parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal area and the cerebellum area, are involved. 76% of ADHD cases are due to genetic factors.
On the other hand, there are a series of factors that are related to the fact of being able to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy.
• Head injuries in childhood.
• Prematurity.
• Central nervous system infections.
• Food additives like artificial colors.
• Substances such as lead.

In most cases, ADHD appears as a consequence of other psychiatric disorders . Among the most common disorders that can lead to ADHD are: conduct disorder, mood disorder, learning disorder, etc. Similarly, some factors that can be associated with the characteristics of ADHD are emotional problems, such as low self-esteem; school performance problems, causing a lack of motivation; problems in social relationships with colleagues or relatives, etc.

As we explained previously, the main symptoms of this disorder are a lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms can appear at different levels, depending on whether it is a child, adolescent or an adult, among other elements to take into account. In order to explain the symptoms that derive from each of the elements that make up ADHD, it is necessary to divide them:

Attention deficit

It is one of the main symptoms when we talk about ADHD. The person with the disorder has difficulties in focusing their attention on performing a task or channeling information. This situation is seen mainly in the school stage, and some of the signs that could indicate that the child has a lack of attention are the following:

• Difficulty paying attention for a while.
• Not paying attention to details and making mistakes.
• Difficulty following directions and completing tasks.
• Tend to avoid those tasks that involve a prolonged effort.
• Tending to be easily distracted by external stimuli.
• Forgetting and / or losing elements necessary to carry out an activity.

Hyperactivity

It is one of the symptoms that is more easily appreciated, so it could be an indication of the appearance of ADHD. It is usually more intense in children , while it diminishes with age. Hyperactivity is characterized by the following elements:

• Difficulty staying still.
• Move in those situations in which it is inappropriate.
• Make noises regularly when doing any activity.
• Difficulty being able to play quietly.
• Change activity without finishing it.

Impulsiveness

It consists of acting without thinking , instead of thinking and then executing an action. The impulsive person is impatient, so they have difficulty waiting their turn, they interrupt others and they can respond in an arrogant way, leading to conflicts.

The treatment should be evaluated by a specialist, after making a diagnosis based on the symptoms that may have been witnessed in the patient. Likewise, it will depend on each patient, so it is important to carry out an assessment individually in order to find the specific needs that each one requires. The main treatments that are applied are three:

• Pharmacological treatment . It consists of the administration of drugs in order for the patient to improve their cognitive functions during the hours in which the drug takes effect. It is considered the most effective treatment.
• Cognitive-behavioral treatment . It is carried out in those cases in which the symptoms of ADHD are mild and does not affect the patient’s life excessively. It can also be applied in those cases in which the parents do not agree with the administration of drugs. It consists of learning a set of techniques and strategies to improve the problems that the disorder entails.
• Psychoeducational treatment . In this treatment, parents and teachers have a fundamental role, since they must learn to modify the child’s behavior by knowing the way in which they should act in the face of certain behaviors.

On many occasions, the application of the treatment can be varied, depending on the diagnosis of each patient.

Keep in mind that many children can present certain behaviors that can be confused with ADHD. Each child is different, and for this reason some will be more active, compared to another less active. However, you should go to the doctor when it is detected that the symptoms affect the academic performance or the correct functioning of the child in their day-to-day life.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , we recommend that you enter our category of Mental Disorders .