Information on ADHD

ADHD can be debilitating for children and teenagers if it's not diagnosed and treated. Children with ADHD can feel out of place and misunderstood and are usually blamed for behaviors that they have an extremely difficult time controlling. Understanding the disorder is the first step for children and their parents to improve the behaviors.

Subtypes

• There are three subtypes to ADHD. The first subtype is predominantly hyperactive-impulsive which means that six or more of the person's symptoms fall into the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. The second subtype is the predominantly inattentive type which means that six or more of the person's symptoms fall into the into the inattentive category. The third subtype is the combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive, which means the that person has six or more symptoms from each category.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults

• There are many ADHD symptoms in children, such as difficulty concentrating, finishing assignments, homework, and tests; and the lack of following through on directions. Your child may also be forgetful, lose things on a regular basis, and have difficulty organizing himself. A child with ADHD may struggle with taking turns and sitting still. You may observe your child squirming in her seat, staying in constant motion and becoming bored easily.
  Some adults with ADHD go through life without ever being diagnosed. However, to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the adult must have suffered from the symptoms since childhood. ADHD does not suddenly develop in adults. An adult with ADHD has the same type of symptoms that children do. An adult may be unable to stay on task at work and complete projects, lose things on a regular basis and be completely unorganized. Many adults with ADHD have a difficult time maintaining intimate relationships, because they're often forgetful, late and have poor communication skills.

Causes of ADHD

• Genetics play a role in ADHD. A child who has ADHD is more likely to have relatives with the mental health diagnosis than children who do not have the diagnosis. A person with ADHD has a different brain structure than a person who does not have the illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with ADHD have less activity in the area of the brain that controls attention.
  Exposure to toxins during pregnancy can increase a child's risk of developing ADHD. A child is more likely to develop the mental health disorder if his mother used drugs or smoked during the pregnancy.

ADHD Diagnosis

• Consult a licensed mental health professional if you believe that you or your child suffers from ADHD. There is no single test that can determine if someone has ADHD; however, a licensed mental health professional will work with your doctor to rule out physical illnesses and determine if you suffer from ADHD. The mental health professional will also help you determine how you want to treat the disorder.

Treatment

• It is usually recommended that children, teens and adults take medication and participate in psychotherapy to treat the disorder. There are many medications that treat ADHD; however, each medication works differently for each person. A psychiatrist would help you determine which medication fits your needs. The most common medications used to treat ADHD are Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and Strattera.
  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat children and teens with ADHD. It can also be extremely useful for adults suffering from the disorder. It teaches children and teens to monitor their own thoughts and behaviors and modify them as needed.