What is ADHD: causes, signs, how to get rid of, the main myths

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a disorder that manifests itself in hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is often accompanied by problems with concentration of attention. It affects not only children, but also some adults.

Let's figure out what ADHD is, how it manifests itself and what needs to be done to minimize the impact of ADHD on a child's life.   

How is ADHD manifested?

The thematic literature describes three main symptoms of ADHD: hyperactivity, attention disorder, impulsivity.

1. HyperactivityA hyperactive child is in a confused state, it is difficult to describe emotions in his head, he is always worried about something, very fussy, can take on one thing and not bring it to the end.

He is impulsive, his body is in chaotic motor movements. He also has problems concentrating on any business or subject. There is chaos and no structure in his head. Reading for him is a real torture, not to mention cleaning the house.

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Such children often do not sleep well, it is difficult for them to concentrate and control their emotions. As a rule, it is difficult to keep track of a hyperactive child, he is constantly going somewhere and looking for something.

Such children are difficult to calm down. Many parents believe that a "tough" upbringing will pacify the child, but this, on the contrary, can make it worse. 

2. Attention disorder

It manifests itself in the inability to concentrate on important things. The child often "jumps" from one topic to another, does not have time to perceive new information, remembers something poorly, performs some work chaotically or in reverse order.

During the game, he can't focus on one thing for a long time, and every time he switches to new and new items, without having time to understand their essence. This means that he spends a lot of time unsuccessfully searching for interesting things. After all, interest for him is present only at the initial stage of acquaintance with the subject or information, but if it was not possible to "catch on", then the child throws and searches further.

Children with attention disorders cannot listen and concentrate. If they are not interested in the activity, they try to avoid it by any means, because they still cannot perceive the information they receive. If something has attracted them, they can do it for a long time, however, this is rare.

3. Impulsivity

Impulsivity itself is the lack of an adequate response to any requests or demands. In another way, this is called "keeping yourself in hand", and problems may arise with this. His mood often changes, he jumps from side to side, acts without having time to understand what and how he did, his actions are ahead of his thoughts.

In addition, there are additional symptoms that manifest in children with ADHD

1. Violation of socializationIt is difficult for a child to communicate not only with peers, but also with adults.

Such children, as a rule, are overly intrusive, aggressive and overly emotional.

2. Lack of coordinationThere may be difficulties in detailed and small movements, fine motor skills, for example, in tying shoelaces, using scissors, coloring, etc.

It can also be expressed in a violation of balance and visual-spatial coordination (inability to ride a bike, difficulties in sports games).

3. Emotional disorders Usually, the development of emotions of a child with ADHD is delayed, which can manifest itself in excessive temper, unbalance, intolerance to any demands and failures.

Causes of ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but there are several theories. 

Possible causes of ADHD include genetic, biochemical, sensorimotor, physiological, and behavioral factors.

For example, scientists in the USA, Holland, Colombia and Germany have suggested that 80% of the occurrence of ADHD depends on genetic factors. 

Myths about ADHD

1. Bad manners

Impulsivity in children with ADHD is often perceived as bad manners, although this is absolutely not the case. It is difficult for such children to explain how to behave, they quickly forget everything and switch to things that are important to them. In reality, the child knows how to behave and what normal behavior is, but in a difficult or emotionally overloaded situation, he forgets about it.

2. Attention deficit is replaced by the phrase "everything is allowed to the child"

ADHD in a child does not mean that you need to fulfill all his desires or spend all his money on him. It is important and necessary to give your child your attention, care, time and positive emotions — to the extent that the parents themselves are ready for it. It is unacceptable to scold a child with ADHD, try to "educate" him excessively, break down on him.

3. Treatment

All drugs developed for treatment do not calm the child, but give him more opportunities to concentrate. If you think that he will sit silently, then this is not the case. However, when taking medications prescribed by a doctor, the quality of the child's attention significantly improves.

How to adapt a child with ADHD to normal life?

• Find a psychotherapist for yourself and for your baby.
• Make sure that the child is socialized.
• Take care of the child's daily routine.
• Encourage success.
• Make sure that the child gets enough sleep, eats right and is physically active.

In addition to these methods, it is necessary to conduct a medical examination.

It is important to remember that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children is successfully corrected. It is enough to make an effort, pay attention to the child and not neglect treatment.

Do not fall for myths about this disorder, which may encourage you, for example, to blame the child for his behavior. ADHD is not a sentence, but it requires a certain regime and effort. Many families successfully raise (or have done so in the past) such children. You can exchange experiences with other parents, seek and ask for help from specialists and, most importantly, do not give up.