Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (adhd)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Also known as ADHD

By Yesenia Bonilla

Have you ever imagined living in a world where sights, sounds, images and thoughts are constantly changing and shifting? You often blurt out answers before anyone asks a question; you have difficulty waiting on your turn and frequently interrupt anyone everyone's conversation. People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as "ADHD" have so much trouble staying focused and controlling their behavior that it affects their emotions and how well they do in school or other areas of their lives. ADHD is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. People with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activities. This means that they may have trouble focusing on certain tasks and subjects or they may seem "wired". Most children act impulsively, and get into trouble. Heredity is the most common cause of ADHD. Studies show pregnant women who smoked and used drugs are more likely to have children with symptoms of ADHD, and children who were exposed to environmental toxins and food additives have an increased risk of developing these behavioral problems. ADHD is also a learning disorder that affects an estimated 4.1 percent of children ages 9-17. ADHD is a real problem that both parents and teachers should have a better understanding of, know the signs and symptoms, and most importantly how to handle a child who has ADHD.

Unfortunately, adults, and children with ADHD are labeled as unmotivated, lazy or sluggish. Most children and adults often struggle with low self-esteem, troubled person relationships and poor performance in school or at work. The result for ADHD can be disturbing and distressing if not treated, and will continue to severely disadvantage children and adults. There are three types of ADHD which are inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. Inattentive type, also known as ADH1 may include symptoms such as: failure to pay close attention to detail, making careless mistakes and not completing tasks. Often they may understand a subject or concept, but be unable to make a passing grade because of unfinished school work, or misunderstood directions. Children with ADH1 seem spaced out at times and are extremely disorganized. Their book bags, rooms and desk are always a mess and they spend excessive amounts of time looking for things. Children who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing. The second type of ADHD is hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is where one seems to be uncontrollable, has trouble sleeping and can cause a lot of stress amongst others. Symptoms for hyperactivity are: often fidgets with hands and feet, gets up from seat when should remain seated, often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activity's quietly. Others symptoms that may occur would be talking excessively and always "on the go". Third is in impulsivity. Impulsivity narrow's a child's perception, making it difficult to see the big picture. So much is blocked out except for a small space. One blocks out everything else. Mood swings can also be common as well as depression and anxiety. Symptom include: Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished, often has trouble waiting one's turn.

Sometimes the symptoms of ADHD become less severe as a person grows older. For example, experts believe that hyperactivity part of the disorder can diminish with age, although the problems with organization and attention often remain. Although some people may grow out of their symtoms, more than half of all kids who have ADHD will continue to show signs of the condition as young adults. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are several medication, family and individual counseling, and changes at school to address particular learning styles. Certain medicines can help people with ADHD by improving their focus and attention and reducing the impulsiveness and hyperactivity