What is adhd
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a common and treatable condition that affects children, teens, and adults. It is a brain disorder that causes problems with paying attention, being hyperactive or impulsive. This can cause a person to have problems in school, at work, and in relationships.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
As with children, ADHD symptoms vary from person to person and can occur at any age. This can make it hard to diagnose ADHD in adulthood, but there are treatments available that can help.
The most common type of medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant. These medications increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision.
Dopamine is the brain’s reward center, and people with ADHD lack it. This makes it difficult for them to feel a sense of pleasure from the things that typically give them a rush. In turn, they may become more impulsive and act out their feelings of frustration or anger in dangerous ways.
Often, a child with ADHD will try to eat their favorite foods and take risks in order to boost dopamine levels enough for them to feel happy and relaxed. This can lead to eating disorders or substance abuse.
Learning difficulties: This can include difficulty reading, writing or motor skills. It can also mean that a person has trouble learning new information or remembering what they have learned.
Poor social skills: These can be especially noticeable in school. They can result in a student missing out on class activities or socializing with friends. They can also lead to a student not listening when spoken to, interrupting others and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Unable to control emotions: These can include anger or temper tantrums. They can also lead to a student being too emotional to handle situations like homework or tests.
Not able to complete tasks at home or school: This can make it difficult for a child with ADHD to get their homework done on time or to follow their teacher’s instructions. It can also cause a child to struggle with their grades and be punished by teachers.
The condition can affect all ages of children, but it tends to be more prevalent in younger children. It also tends to be more common in boys than girls.
There are many factors that can cause a child to have ADHD, including genetics. It can also be caused by environmental or traumatic events.
It’s important to discuss the problem with your child, their doctor and their teachers. This will allow them to receive the treatment they need to manage their symptoms.
If your child is struggling with their academics, ask the school for a free evaluation by an educational specialist. This evaluation can help your child get the support they need at school, and it can also lead to accommodations that will make it easier for your child to learn.
