ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a group of behavioural symptoms that include poor attention and concentration, being overly active or hyperactive and impulsiveness.
ADHD is experienced more in boys than girls and is often diagnosed early in school.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
If you show all symptoms of ADHD (inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness) you may have ADHD Combined which is the most common form of ADHD.
Inattentiveness:
Short attention span
Being easily distracted
Difficulty with organisation
Finding it hard to concentrate
Being forgetful or losing things
Poor listening skills
Difficulty carrying out instructions
Hyperactivity:
Difficulty sitting still
Excessive movement
Excessive talking
Impulsiveness:
Disrupting routines
No sense of danger
Acting without thinking
Problems during quiet activities
What are the causes of ADHD?
The cause of ADHD is unknown yet there are some factors that are thought to be responsible,
such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy.
If a woman smokes, drinks alcohol or takes drugs during pregnancy they are more likely to have a child that has ADHD.
Genetics:
It is thought that it is possible to inherit ADHD from family members. ADHD tends to run in families.
It is believed that brain chemistry plays a role in those who suffer from ADHD. It is thought that the chemicals in the brain, responsible for carrying messages, known as neurotransmitters, do not function in the same way as those without the condition.
ADHD Treatments
There is no cure for ADHD yet there are treatments that are available that help lessen the symptoms of ADHD and allow the person to lead a much more problem free day to day life.
ADHD can be treated with medication or therapy but a combination of both is advised.
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