Health Tips

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an elaborate neurodevelopmental disorder. The average age for moderate ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.

There are three types of ADHD

1. Hyperactive/impulsive - The child shows a combination of both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but are still to pay attention
2. Inattentive type - Not overly active and do not disrupt classroom or other activities. Previously known as attention deficit disorder (ADD)
3. Combined type (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive) - Shows both categories of symptoms. Most common form of ADHD

Here are 14 common signs of ADHD in children

1. Self-focused behavior
2. Interrupting
3. Trouble waiting for their turn
4. Emotional turmoil in older children and temper tantrums in younger children
5. Fidgeting
6. Problems to play quietly
7. Not able to finish tasks
8. Lack of focus
9. Avoiding tasks that needs extended mental effort
10. Careless mistakes despite giving instructions which requires planning or executing a plan
11.  Daydreaming
12. Trouble keeping track of tasks and activities
13. Forgetfulness
14. Symptoms in multiple settings – for example, lack of focus both in school and at home

Click here to see if your child has ADHD.

What are the treatment choices for ADHD?

Medications

Currently, psychostimulants are the commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It helps to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). These medications also hep to improve the signs and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. Examples include amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)

Behavioural treatment

1. Social skills training
   • For the child to develop and maintain social relationship
2. Support groups and parenting skills training
   • Support for parents to understand and guide their child’s behaviour
3. Psychotherapy
   • The therapy allows the children to talk about issues that is bothering them, explore the negative behaviour patterns and learn ways to deal with their symptoms
4. Family therapy
   • To help parents and siblings deal with the stress of living with someone having ADHD

ADHD is treatable. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, check on the treatment options. After that, you may set up a time for an appointment with a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the best course of action.

Image credit:

1. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YeamHE6Kank/maxresdefault.jpg
2. https://i1.wp.com/www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/172_5_Diagnose_Basics_ADHD-v-ADD_SS_172_kids_jumping_on_bed-scaled.jpg
3. https://www.news-medical.net/image.axd?picture=2018%2F6%2Fshutterstock_570683848.jpg
4. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/images/adhd-behavior-therapy-parents-400px.png
5. https://www.peacehealth.org/sites/default/files/styles/630_360/public/gettyimages-1087867140-school-kids.jpg?itok=ON-Fkt6P&c=4fb09c23379cc232551c247a7c57b249

References:

1. ADHD in children| WebMD
2. Child ADHD test (self-assessment) | Psycom
3. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children | Mayo Clinic
4. 14 signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | Healthline

Written by

Dr Amirah Ekhsan