ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood, which cause problems with attention, impulse control, and impulsiveness. It is generally first identified in childhood and tends to last into adulthood.
Children with ADHD also have problems with schoolwork as well. Children with ADHD frequently have problems focusing on tasks or finishing tasks. In addition, they have a hard time staying on task and often have trouble completing projects. These children also frequently get distracted, become indecisive, or lose their focus. Inattention can lead to constant fidgeting and difficulty concentrating during class.
Children with ADHD are also likely to be diagnosed with ODD or oppositional defiance disorder. ODD is considered as another type of oppositional disorder but differs from ADHD in that it frequently manifests during childhood or adolescence. A child with ODD will deliberately rebel against parents, teachers, or peers in order to get what he or she wants. In other cases, a child with ODD may act out as a way to purposely provoke a reaction from a loved one or someone else. A child with ODD may repeatedly hit, push, and abuse by a member of his or her family member.
Children with ADHD also have problems with memory and executive functioning. Executive functioning is the process in which information processed through the five senses is processed and is used to make decisions. Children with ADHD tend to have an insufficient amount of dopamine, which helps them focus, remember, and retain information. This is similar to what happens when you eat too much junk food or caffeine or are under a great deal of stress. The result is that you can easily forget things and your brain chemical balance gets out of whack.
Children with ADHD will commonly exhibit the following symptoms: they may have a hard time paying attention; they may be easily distracted; they may be unable to finish a task without looking for more help; they may also have a problem focusing for extended periods of time. There may also be symptoms of hyperactivity. However, some children will only display some of these behaviors. ADHD medications will often help lessen the symptoms of ADHD but they cannot cure the condition.
Children with ADHD must work on getting control over their hyperactivity and impulsivity through behavioral changes. Children who can control their impulsivity and improve their focus can live a normal, productive life with ADHD. Children should be encouraged by their parents and school districts to take their medication faithfully without thinking about the long term effects of the drugs. While ADHD medications can prove to be effective, they cannot cure or otherwise treat the symptoms of ADHD without addressing the underlying mental health issues that cause ADHD.
