ADHD in children is a behavioral disorder, as it is one of the most widespread cases and affects the child’s life in various areas of life, so adhd treatment in children is considered essential, despite its wide prevalence, as an estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults suffer from this disease, but adhd treatment in children through various methods is one of the most successful treatments around the world, as it contributed to the improvement of about 70% of children, dealing with children with ADHD requires multiple strategies and methods that include behavioral guidance, psychological support and other methods in addition to the challenges faced by the child.
It is important to emphasize the importance of early care and early intervention, as this plays a crucial role in minimizing the impact of symptoms on a child’s life and enhancing their ability to develop normally and achieve their full potential throughout their lives.
What is ADHD in children?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Despite its name, ADHD does not mean that a child can’t or won’t concentrate, but rather that it is difficult for the patient to control their attention or direct their focus towards specific tasks, ADHD causes symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, difficulty sitting, and impulsive behaviors, but it also allows for excessive focus on things that the child really enjoys.
ADHD is a psychiatric condition that has long been recognized as affecting children’s ability to function, and individuals with ADHD exhibit different and developmentally diverse patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
Symptoms of ADHD in children: How do you know if your child has ADHD?
When ADHD symptoms appear during childhood, they often persist into adulthood, although ADHD symptoms appear in adulthood in 90% of cases, some adults with ADHD are not diagnosed at all, the main symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and insomnia, symptoms can range from mild to severe, there are some other symptoms that may appear in a child or young person, we mention some of them:
- Distracted Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Difficulty listening to what people say or following instructions
- Forgetting daily tasks such as brushing teeth or putting on socks
- They may show signs of hyperactivity
- Having high energy levels
- Fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet
- Talking loudly
- Feeling uncomfortable or getting up and moving when they are supposed to be sitting still
- They find it difficult to wait their turn or interrupt conversations
Most children and young people with ADHD suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with some showing signs of only one type, hyperactivity or inattention. ADHD is thought to be less recognized in girls than in boys.
ADHD causes in children
There are no clear and precise reasons as to why the disorder occurs; however, some studies have shown that the disorder is associated with certain factors:
- Genetics and family history of the disease
- Exposure to toxins
- Pregnancy and childbirth injuries
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
- Epilepsy
- Brain injuries
- Autism and the autism spectrum.
Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent; the name describes the neurological diversity and differences between one person’s brain and another’s.
Genetic and environmental factors influencing hypermobility
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, both of which play a role in the development of the condition, so it is important to know the most important factors affecting hyperactivity in children to know how the journey of adhd treatment in children will be.
Genetic factors
- Genes: Studies suggest that hyperactivity has a strong genetic component, as certain genes that affect brain chemicals such as dopamine have been linked to the development of the disorder.
- Family history: People who have family members with hypermobility are more likely to develop it.
- Brain structure: Research has shown that people with hypermobility have differences in the structure of the brain and the activity of certain areas associated with attention and impulse control.
Environmental factors
- Exposure to toxins: Smoking during pregnancy or exposure to lead as a child may increase the risk of the disorder.
- Stress and trauma: High stress in childhood or an unstable home environment can contribute to the development of ADHD.
- Problems with pregnancy and childbirth: Such as premature birth or low birth weight can be influential factors.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
The signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to detect in ADHD treatment in children. However, core symptoms begin early in life, before the age of 12, and continue into adulthood, leading to significant issues in ADHD treatment in children. There is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis, as a diagnosis is likely to include the following in ADHD treatment in children:
- Physical examination for ADHD treatment in children: To help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
- Gathering information for ADHD treatment in children: Such as asking you questions about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and symptom history.
- ADHD rating scales and psychological tests for ADHD treatment in children: To help gather and assess information about symptoms.
How to treat ADHD in children
For many people, wearing glasses helps them focus their vision in the same way that ADHD treatment in children helps people with ADHD to focus their thoughts, ADHD treatment in children helps children to ignore distractions and control their behavior and movements, ADHD treatment in children does not cure ADHD but can help alleviate the symptoms so that the child can live a healthy and safe life away from all obstacles that prevent them.
Therapeutic methods: Medications, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy
ADHD treatment in children in children usually involves medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling, a combination of these treatments is often the most effective treatment, these treatments can help control many of the symptoms of ADHD but do not cure it, it may take some time to determine what is best for your child.
The role of medications in ADHD treatment in children
There are several types of medications for ADHD treatment in children, all of which will reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and also help the child focus and concentrate:
- Stimulants: The most common type of prescription medication used by doctors for ADHD treatment in children; despite its name, stimulants do not work by increasing stimulation but by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play important roles in the ability to pay attention, think, and stay motivated. Studies have shown that nearly 80% of children with ADHD have improved symptoms after finding the correct medication and dosage of stimulants, which are controlled substances.
- Non-stimulants: These medications take longer to take effect, and your child may need to take them longer to feel the effects. They must be taken every day to feel the difference, as they work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain for ADHD treatment in children.
- Antidepressant medications: Sometimes prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants for ADHD treatment in children; doctors usually prescribe antidepressants for ADHD to work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain that play a helpful role in ADHD treatment in children.
Everyone’s body is different, which means that some medications will be better for a particular child than others. It is very common to try different medications in different doses to find the best medication for the child. Stimulants are generally recommended as the first choice for children and young people with ADHD, and non-stimulant medications are recommended if stimulants do not work or cause significant side effects or if they are not suitable for the child or young person for ADHD treatment in children.
The role of psychotherapy in ADHD treatment in children
Counseling for ADHD treatment in children generally includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder, and learning skills to help them succeed, as psychotherapy may help:
- Improve time management and organizational skills
- Learn how to reduce your impulsive behavior
- Develop better problem-solving skills
- Dealing with past academic, work, or social failures
- Improving self-esteem
- Teach ways to improve relationships with family and friends at school that play an important role in ADHD treatment in children
- Developing strategies to manage a child’s temper
Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This structured type teaches specific skills to manage behavior and change negative thought patterns to positive ones, can help deal with life challenges such as school, work, or relationship issues, and helps address other mental health conditions such as depression or substance abuse.
- Family therapy: Family therapy for children with ADHD focuses on improving communication, emotional regulation, and behavioral strategies within the family and helps parents and siblings understand the challenges associated with ADHD and develop supportive techniques for ADHD treatment in children.
The role of parents and schools in supporting a child with ADHD
The role of parents and school is essential in the journey of ADHD treatment in children, as it contributes to helping them adapt and achieve academic and social success, as both specialize in improving the child’s life and are the main factors that determine the extent of the child’s success and his ability to deal with and overcome all life circumstances.
Tips for parents on how to deal with an ADHD child at home
- Provide a healthy and hygienic environment: Establishing a daily routine can help a child focus and minimize distractions.
- Positive communication: Using parenting techniques that rely on positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
- Collaborate with the school: Monitor the child’s progress and coordinate with teachers to develop appropriate strategies.
- Social skills training: Teach your child how to interact with others and control their emotions.
- Consultation of specialists: Seek the help of behavior modification specialists or psychotherapists when needed.
The role of school support for your child with ADHD
- Modify the classroom environment: Provide a suitable learning environment that minimizes distractions.
- Use flexible teaching methods: Such as breaking tasks into small chunks and providing clear instructions.
- Ongoing communication with parents: To ensure standardized strategies are implemented between home and school.
- Support the child academically: Provide individualized learning plans that suit his or her needs.
- Promote self-confidence: Encourage your child to participate and celebrate their small accomplishments.
In conclusion, dealing with ADHD treatment in children requires a comprehensive understanding of its symptoms, such as distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Through early diagnosis in ADHD treatment in children, effective educational strategies, and cooperation between parents and schools, the child can be helped to adapt and achieve success in his daily life. Behavioral therapy in ADHD treatment in children and psychological support play an essential role in improving their abilities and developing their social and educational skills. Proper guidance and patience remain the key to successfully dealing with ADHD treatment in children to ensure a supportive environment that promotes their growth and development in a healthy and balanced manner.
Sources:
- National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). ADHD in children and teenagers. NHS.
- American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.).
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). ADHD. NCBI Bookshelf.
