Does your kid have issues remembering things, or following someone’s directions? Is he restless, cannot focus at school, or often aggressive? He might be suffering from the hyperkinetic attention deficit disorder, also known as ADHD.
How ADHD manifests in children
Symptoms: This behavioral disorder called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) begins in childhood, and may continue during adolescence or adulthood if it is not treated properly. According to medical studies, the disease affects an average of 5% of children and is manifested by: attention deficit (lack of concentration, negligence, agitation, postponing of tasks), hyperactivity and impulsivity (restlessness, physical agitation during meals, impatience).
Treatment: The problem can be solved by doctors and without medication, with the help of parents and teachers. It is very important for the little ones to be praised for the good things they do, to be listened to when they want to say something, or to be given various simple tasks, because they will become motivated and will be able to get out of their constant agitation state, becoming able to integrate into a community.
How ADHD manifests in adults
Symptoms: At adult ages, the permanent discomfort felt in childhood disappears, but the affected ones often forget very quickly, can not concentrate on the things they have to do, can not organize themselves or can not perform their tasks within the established deadlines. Moreover, in some cases, affected adults avoid the company of others or, on the contrary, cannot stand being alone. Adults dealing with ADHD often suffer from anxiety, low self esteem, are apathetic, or suddenly go from one state of mind to another. Untreated, this chronic disorder can have serious consequences on the life of the affected person, ranging from frustration to professional failure, depression and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Treatment: Depending on the symptoms, adults can be treated with amphetamines and methylphenidate, along with psychological counseling. In about 60% of cases, treatment improves the side effects of the disorder.
Also, some doctors recommend vitamins and minerals in capsule form to ADHD patients, but also a diet to improve concentration, which includes: meat, dairy, eggs or nuts, vegetables, citrus, fish, olives, and small quantities of sweets, bread, rice, potatoes or honey.
Sleep is very important in ADHD
Rest is an important factor in treating this disorder, so it is mandatory for those suffering from ADHD to sleep for at least seven hours a night. Neither should exercise be neglected, however. Doctors claim that 20 minutes of walking every day can improve anxiety and anger.
The causes of ADHD are still uncertain
Despite the fact that it is a fairly common disorder, the causes of ADHD are not known with certainty. According to some theories, one of the causes may be the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs during pregnancy, which causes delayed brain development and, more recently, dopamine deficiency in the areas responsible for processing motivational stimuli. It is also said that the risk of a child having ADHD is higher if one of the parents presents this disorder.
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