Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a mental disorder that causes children to have difficulty concentrating, as well as having impulsive and hyperactive behavior. This condition can have an impact on children’s performance at school .
Until now, the main cause of ADHD is not known for sure. However, this condition is thought to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
Causes of ADHD
The cause of ADHD is not yet known for certain. However, research shows that there are several factors that can increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD, including genetic and environmental factors. ADHD is also thought to be related to disturbances in the brain’s electrical flow patterns or brain waves.
There are also those who believe that hyperactive behavioral disorders in children are caused by sugar rush or excessive sugar consumption. However, this has not been proven true.
Symptoms of ADHD
The main symptoms of ADHD are difficulty concentrating, as well as impulsive and hyperactive behavior. People with ADHD generally cannot sit still and easily forget what they are doing. People with ADHD can also have learning difficulties, such as difficulty reading or writing .
ADHD usually appears in children under the age of 12. However, in many cases, ADHD symptoms can be seen since the child is 3 years old. ADHD that occurs in children can be carried into adulthood.
ADHD Treatment
ADHD can be treated with medication or psychotherapy . It should be noted that parents, families, caregivers, and teachers at school also need guidance in dealing with children with ADHD.
ADHD cannot be completely cured, but the treatment given can relieve symptoms and help sufferers to live a normal life.
ADHD Prevention
The emergence of ADHD in children cannot be prevented. However, pregnant women can reduce the risk of ADHD in children by avoiding cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and drugs, especially during pregnancy. In addition, keep children away from cigarette smoke and exposure to toxic substances.
Causes of ADHD
The cause of ADHD is not yet known for certain. However, several studies suggest that ADHD occurs due to a combination of the following factors:
- Heredity or genetic factors, namely having a mother, father or sibling who suffers from ADHD or another mental disorder
- Premature birth , which is birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Abnormalities in brain structure or function
- Brain damage during pregnancy
- Exposure to toxins from the environment during childhood, for example exposure to lead from paint
Children are also at higher risk of developing ADHD if their mothers abuse drugs, consume alcohol, or smoke during pregnancy . The same risk can also occur in children whose mothers experience stress during pregnancy.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms in children usually appear at age 3 and become more visible as the child gets older, especially after entering school or the beginning of puberty. However, ADHD symptoms can also only appear in adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating. People with ADHD also exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
In fact, it is normal for children to sometimes have difficulty concentrating or behave impulsively. However, in children with ADHD, these behaviors occur more often and are more severe. This condition affects their performance in school and their social interactions with other children.
Most people with ADHD experience both symptoms, although sometimes only one symptom is visible. For example, in children who are not yet in school, hyperactivity symptoms will be more prominent.
The following will explain in more detail the symptoms of ADHD in children:
Difficulty concentrating
Children with ADHD will have difficulty paying attention to directions from other people or lessons from teachers, for example:
- Not focused on doing something
- His attention is easily distracted
- Often appears not to be listening to conversations or directions, even when spoken to directly
- Not paying attention to details
- Careless
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Difficulty following instructions to do something
- Frequently losing everyday items
- Dislikes activities that require concentration, such as doing homework.
Children who only experience the above symptoms without showing hyperactive behavior indicate that the sufferer is experiencing inattentive ADHD.
Hyperactive and impulsive behavior
Examples of hyperactive and impulsive behavior are:
- It is difficult to stay in your seat when attending lessons in class.
- The habit of moving body parts, especially the legs or hands, while sitting.
- Difficulty doing activities calmly
- Running or climbing on things at inappropriate times
- Often interrupts other people’s conversations
- Talking too much
- Often interferes with activities carried out by other people
- Can’t stay still and always wants to move
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD usually decrease with age. However, attention deficit disorders tend to worsen with age.
Therefore, adults with ADHD will experience problems in education or work due to difficulty in determining priorities and focusing attention. In addition, sufferers also have difficulty having friends or partners, because they tend to be moody or easily emotional.