Symptoms and Consequences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD)?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour and other symptoms. In some cases, these symptoms sometimes lessen with age. In ADHD early diagnosis and treatment make a big difference in outcome. Usually, treatments in these conditions involve medications and behavioural interventions.

Dr Himani Khanna, Developmental Paediatrician at Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon, shares with us some of the symptoms of ADHD. Dr Khanna reinforces the fact that ADHD is not a disability but it is a different ability. Let us find out.

What Are Signs & Symptoms of ADHD?

Data suggests that about 9 percent of school aged children are affected with ADHD. In this condition, the child will have inattention, poor impulse control, decreased self inhibitory capacity,  motor / physical over activity and restlessness.

If the child consistently displays the following characteristics over a long period of time then consider this as a red flag:

• Distracted very easily
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks for a reasonable length of time
• Difficulty paying attention to detail (often makes careless mistakes)
• Problems following instructions and completing activities
• Difficulty keeping track of personal belongings and materials
• Struggles to remember routines and organise task/activities
• Difficulty getting started on activities, particularly those that are challenging
•  Does not seem to be listening when spoken to directly
• Often fidgets, squirms and turns around in seat constantly
• Constantly on the go
• Makes a lot of noise even during play
• Talks incessantly when not supposed to talk
• Blurts out answers before hearing the whole question
• Becomes easily frustrated waiting in line or when asked to take turns
• Leaves seat when expected to stay in seat
• Runs or climbs excessively when it is not appropriate.

The Difference Between ADHD & Super Active Child

A child showing ADHD symptoms should be assessed by a Developmental  Pediatrician, who can then tell you the difference between the two. There are several tools , questionnaires and criteria available with an expert  in the field to  diagnose ADHD . Read How to Recover from ADHD & Treatment Options?.

Consequences of Being ADHD

ADHD can lead to academic under-achievement , problems with interpersonal  relationship with family members and peer and  children afflicted with ADHD may end up with low self esteem.

Initiation of behavioural therapy

Early diagnosis will lead to early initiation of behavioural therapy. For preschool-age children (4–5 years of age) behavioural therapy is the main course of treatment. For elementary school–age children (6–11 years of age) and for adolescents (12–18 years of age) ADHD can be managed by a combination of medication and behaviour therapy both.

How Parents Play an Important Role in Dealing with ADHD

Parents need to act like an executive planner  and organiser for the  child. What parent neeed to do. Read below 

• Parents have to consciously make an effort to be compassionate and patient
• Parents need to keep up with their own health by eating right, adequate sleep and exercise everyday to keep stress at a bay. Only a healthy parent will be able to help their child deal with the symptoms of ADHD.
• Parents need to create and sustain a structure at home like having simple and predictable rules for homework, bed, and play time. Also parents can use clocks, timers etc to notify the child to switch to the next task.
• Parents can set clear rules and consequences. They can write down the rules and hang them in a place visible to the child, explain to the child the consequences of not obeying the rules and refrain from criticising and give appropriate feedback   for negative result and praise often as it helps in positive reinforcement.
• Parents can encourage sports and sleep: choose a sport that requires constant motion like football, basketball etc. On the other hand, slower and contained activities like yoga and martial arts can help improve mental control.
• Parents need to monitor the child’s meals: regular meals with fresh fruits are important while keeping junk food at bay.
• Having a pet can work wonders. It teaches children to be more responsible and outgoing.

Parents can help their children in improving their social skills and interactions. They can role play where they can teach children not to encourage or tolerate gestures like hitting, pushing, or yelling while playing. Also, they can reward the child with praises for good and desired behaviour.