It was once said that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be outgrown — that it’s just a phase that children undergo when they have too much sugar in their system. This is not true: ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder, regarded as both biological and behavioral in nature. While children are more prone to being diagnosed with ADHD, it is a chronic condition that carries over into adult life. There is no known cure for ADHD, but it can be treated and controlled.
Symptoms of ADHD
Like any personality disorder, a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a psychiatrist or a mental health care professional. Here are some of the symptoms of this intriguing disease.
Easily distracted
Has difficulty concentrating or focusing on study or work
Has problems with organizing personal belongings
Hyperactivity (for children)
Weak planning and organization of ideas
Fidgeting
Excessive talking and trouble listening
Has difficulty digesting and internalizing information necessary for school or work
Causes of ADHD
Because ADHD is both biological and behavioral, it can be caused by many factors. ADHD may be hereditary. A child with a parent with ADHD may end up with the same disorder. Some studies show that people with ADHD have a reduced level of blood circulation, and that people with ADHD who have not undergone medication have lower metabolism levels for the natural sugar glucose. Exposure to high concentrations of lead put children at higher risk for developing ADHD. Premature babies are also prone to ADHD. Mothers who drink alcohol or smoke tobacco during pregnancy also put their children at a higher risk for the disorder compared to mothers who live healthy, active lifestyles.
Treatment for ADHD
Medicinal stimulants are effective ways for treating ADHD. These include prescribed stimulants like ampethamines and methylphenidates. Alternative treatments like gingko and St. John’s Wort are also used, and the use of medical marijuana has led to some controversy. Along with medications, psychotherapy, coaching, and counseling are also used to treat and control the negative effects of ADHD.