Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that can cause multiple issues such as impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and attention deficiency. The disorder is most common in children, and problems generally continue until adulthood. Children suffering from this condition often struggle with school performance, maintaining relationships, and low confidence. As this condition affects millions of children, it is important that everyone educates themselves about its effects and treatment options.

Symptoms of ADHD
The main signs of the condition are hyperactive-impulsive behavior and inattention. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can occur in children as young as three, and the signs generally become apparent before they turn 12. Not all children suffer from severe symptoms, as the condition might also be moderate or mild.

Depending on the effects, the illness has been divided into three categories:

Predominantly hyperactive
The affected individuals become primarily impulsive and hyperactive.

Predominantly inattentive
The symptoms are mostly signs of inattentiveness.

Combined
Both sets of symptoms occur in the affected children.

The signs of inattention include:

• Forgetting daily routine
• Easily distracted
• Losing important items
• Avoiding tasks requiring focus
• Difficulty in organizing activities and tasks
• Failing to complete chores or homework due to the inability of following instructions
• Not being able to listen attentively
• Losing focus when playing or completing a task
• Making careless mistakes
• Failing to pay attention to details

The signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity are:

• Interrupt other’s activities and conversations
• Not being able to wait for their turn
• Interrupting questions or blurting out answers
• Too much talkativeness
• Cannot do anything quietly
• Inappropriate behavior such as running around hyperactively
• Constantly moving
• Failing to stay seated
• Fidgety behavior, like constantly tapping their feet or hands

Causes of ADHD
Science is yet to find what exactly causes ADHD, but it is widely believed that issues with the central nervous system during development, the environment, and genetics might be responsible. In addition, research has revealed a few risk factors that perhaps contribute to the disease. These factors are:

• Premature birth
• Maternal substance abuse during pregnancy
• Environmental toxins like lead
• Parents or siblings with ADHD or other mental health-related disorders

Diagnosis of ADHD
Just because a child shows signs of inattentiveness or hyperactivity, it does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. However, if the symptoms appear before they turn 12 and create substantial problems at school or home, it will be safe to take them to medical professionals. Even though there are no specific tests for the disease, doctors often use the following methods:

• Medical examinations that can rule out other probable causes for the symptoms.
• Interviews of the family members, caregivers, teachers, or anyone else who spends time with the child to understand their behaviors better.
• Gathering information regarding the family and the child’s medical history, any ongoing medical issues, and school performance records.
• Using rating scales to evaluate the child’s condition and determine if they are suffering from the disorder.
• Comparing the child’s symptoms and behaviors to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5.

Treatment of ADHD
There is no cure for ADHD as of now. However, the symptoms can be managed to some extent through educational services, counseling, behavior therapy, and guidance from medical professionals. An experienced doctor can suggest the best course of action for your child. So far, the following treatments are the most widely used:

Behavior therapy

• Psychotherapy helps older children discuss their issues and learn how to deal with the symptoms.
• Social skills exercises to help the children understand how to behave socially.
• Training for teachers and parents to learn strategies such as “time out” and “reward systems” to manage the child’s difficult behaviors.
• Family therapy aimed at helping the child’s loved ones to learn how to live with the difficulties and stress of managing an affected child.

Apart from these, there are other lifestyle changes that you must incorporate into your day-to-day routine to help your child cope with the symptoms. Foremost, it would help if you dealt with them affectionately. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder must know that they are loved. Maintaining your cool during a difficult situation is also vital. It will help to keep in mind that your child is suffering equally, if not more.

Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for a child with ADHD. Experts suggest that regular exercise and a balanced diet, along with traditional treatment, can positively affect the child.