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How to Detect ADHD in Your Child?

Catagory: ADHD  Author: Dr Vamsi Krishna
My Child Has ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sometimes known as ADHD, is a widespread ailment that has a significant impact on people’s daily lives and well-being. People with ADHD get agitated and change their behaviour. Additionally, those with ADHD may exhibit impulsivity, loss of focus or ability to focus, and restlessness. Some ADHD patients may also struggle with sleep problems and anxiety problems.

However, there are mild signs of inattention before a child develops ADHD. The most common signs of ADHD in children are attention, hyperactivity, or impulsive behaviour. The typical behaviours of children with ADHD include being in constant motion, squirming or fidgeting, talking excessively, or even being easily distracted. They might also not appear to be paying attention to you and have difficulty playing quietly. Children with ADHD may also have a tendency to interrupt others and demonstrate a lack of focus on one subject at a time.

 

Why Do Some People Have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

 

Many kids go through various stages of being unfocused and acting impulsively. The majority of kids also exhibit increased restlessness. But this does not necessarily imply that your child has ADHD. You should bring up the issue with your child’s primary care provider if they continue to display any worrying symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD.

There is no recognised cause of ADHD in children. But studies have found a number of potential variations in children’s brains that, when compared, can provide insight into the condition of the child. When the brains of those with ADHD are compared to those without the condition, the condition is clearly visible. The followings are some of the probable causes or beginning factors for ADHD that have been proposed:

  • Premature birth of children, defined as birth before the 37th week of pregnancy • Children are born with lower weights than is ideal.
  • ADHD in the developing child can also be brought on by smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy.
  • Kids and adults of all mental and intellectual abilities can develop ADHD. However, those who have learning challenges are more likely to have the condition.

How Can I Tell Whether My Child Has ADHD?

 

A complex condition, ADHD. To determine whether your child is ill, you cannot simply cross the symptoms off a list of diseases. Every child exhibits symptoms similar to those of ADHD at some point in their lives, which can lead to the condition being misdiagnosed. Though it might just be typical behaviour for a child that age, you might even notice and find something different in their behaviour.

The best way to determine whether your assumptions about ADHD are accurate is to have a general practitioner or your child’s pediatrician perform the necessary tests.

Two main groups of ADHD symptoms are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association to aid in the diagnosis of your child. Being the two most common symptoms, inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, nine additional symptoms fall into the two categories to aid in identifying your child’s symptoms.

Inattentiveness Warning Signs Their ability to listen, learn, and even think is hampered by their divided attention.

Symptoms – Paying insufficient attention to details or making careless errors being unable to pay close attention to tasks They have difficulty listening when you speak to them directly Have trouble understanding instructions and organising activities failure to finish tasks that take a lot of time and mental effort Hard to keep a track on their things Not being able to learn stuff in everyday activities Mostly distracted.

Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity mean Excitable youngster with strong energy, the impulsive and disruptive behavioural tendency
Symptoms – Fidgeting, wriggling and frequently stroking their hands or feet Getting out of their chair or spot where they should stay settled Run/climbing in unsuitable areas Unable to participate in leisure activities unobtrusively Always on the move Talking excessively Blurting out responses before asking questions Showcasing trouble waiting for their opportunity Interrupting talks or games.

These indications could be present in any youngster. However, serious ADHD signs and symptoms start emerging as early as the youngsters reach four years old. To be able to be diagnosed adequately around the age of 6 or so, youngsters should demonstrate at least more than six symptoms (all of which arrive before they become 12)