DEFINITION OF ADHD
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is more commonly known as hyperactivity. ADHD is a long-term disorder that affects millions of children with symptoms that can last into adulthood. Anyone has the possibility to suffer from ADHD, but this condition is commonly experienced by people with learning disorders.
Some of the behavioral symptoms experienced by people with ADHD include difficulty concentrating and the emergence of hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Symptoms of ADHD are generally seen from an early age and tend to become more pronounced when the situation around the child changes, such as starting to study at school. Most cases of ADHD are detected at the age of 6-12 years. Children with ADHD tend to have low self-esteem, find it difficult to make friends, and have inadequate achievements.
ADHD tends to be more common and easily detected in men than women. For example, boys generally have a more hyperactive behavior while girls tend to be quieter, but have difficulty concentrating.
RISK FACTORS IN ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is not known. But a number of studies show that there are several factors that can affect a person's risk level. These risk factors include heredity, the influence of abnormalities in the central nervous system, and the influence of premature birth.
TREATMENT STEPS FOR ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD will sometimes diminish with age, but some people with ADHD will continue to experience them into adulthood. However, there are several methods that can be studied so that these symptoms can be controlled. Some of the treatment steps include drugs, behavioral therapy, and social interaction therapy.
ADHD SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of ADHD are generally seen from an early age, ie before the age of six and tend to become more pronounced when there are changes in the situation around the child, for example starting to study at school. Most cases of ADHD are detected at age 6-12 years with symptoms that include:
- It's hard to concentrate.
- Difficulty following instructions.
- Tend to appear not listening.
- It's easy to get bored.
- Unable to stay still or restless.
- Impatient.
- Often forgets and loses things, such as stationery.
- Difficulty in setting up.
- Often does not complete assigned tasks and switches tasks.
- Always moving or very physically active.
- Act without thinking.
- Lack of understanding of danger or bad consequences.
- Often interrupts other people's conversations.
In contrast to the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents which are easily recognizable, the symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficult to detect. Experts suspect that the symptoms of ADHD experienced by a person as an adult originate from childhood.
The symptoms of ADHD that are generally experienced by children and adolescents above are also sometimes experienced by adult sufferers, but with different intensities. Hyperactive behavior will usually decrease, while symptoms of difficulty concentrating tend to get worse as life pressures increase.
Adult ADHD sufferers will generally experience problems in education or work, for example because of poor organizational skills or not being able to set priorities. Life and social relationships can also be hampered, for example it is difficult to have friends or partners.
ADHD will not trigger other psychological or developmental disorders. But this condition usually can be experienced in conjunction with several other disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD.
If you suspect that your child has most of the symptoms of ADHD, you should immediately take him to the doctor. A series of physical and psychological examinations will be carried out to diagnose the type of disorder and evaluate its triggers.
CAUSES OF ADHD
The cause of ADHD is not known with certainty. But a number of studies suggest that a person's risk of developing this condition can be caused by a combination of several factors.
- heredity factor. Have a mother, father, or sibling with the same condition or another mental disorder.
- Premature birth.
- Abnormalities in brain structure or function.
- Brain damage that occurs in the womb or at an early age.
- Mothers who use illegal drugs, drink alcohol, and smoke during pregnancy.
- Mothers who are exposed to toxins from the surrounding environment, such as polychlorine biphenyl compounds (PCBs).
- Exposure to toxins from the environment in childhood, such as lead in paint.
ADHD DIAGNOSIS
Not all children who have difficulty concentrating and hyperactivity have ADHD. Healthy children are generally very active and often overwhelm their parents. So are teenagers. Even if they don't appear to be listening to conversations, behave impulsively, and they tend to get distracted easily, they don't necessarily have ADHD.
Therefore, the diagnosis of ADHD requires the cooperation of various parties. A number of physical and psychological examinations from pediatricians and psychiatrists will be carried out. Apart from families, schools, especially teachers, should also be involved in this process.
While the diagnosis process in adult ADHD sufferers is quite difficult. The diagnosis of ADHD can usually only be confirmed if the sufferer has experienced ADHD symptoms since childhood.
Doctors and psychiatrists will also involve the family (especially parents), teachers, and acquaintances of the patient to ask about the patient's behavior when he was a child. According to experts, a patient is not considered to have ADHD if these symptoms have not been experienced since childhood.
ADHD TREATMENT
Although there is no complete cure, there are several types of medications and therapies for ADHD to choose from. These treatment steps are taken to relieve symptoms so that sufferers can enjoy a normal and higher quality life.
However, there are no shortcuts to dealing with ADHD. It takes time, emotion, and financial commitment to find the right combination of ADHD treatment methods for you or your child.
Treatment With Drugs
Although there is no cure, medication can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. There are four types of drugs commonly used, namely methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and atomoxetine.
Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine are included in the class of stimulant drugs. These drugs will trigger an increase in brain activity, especially in the part that controls the ability to concentrate and behavior. The effect of these drugs is that the sufferer becomes calmer, less impulsive, and can focus.
Methylphenidate is generally used for adolescents and children over six years of age. If the patient is not suitable for this drug, the doctor will replace it with dexamfetamine. While dexamfetamine is recommended for children over the age of three.
If a stimulant drug is not suitable for the patient, for example for certain health reasons, the doctor will usually give atomoxetine. This drug is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRI will increase levels of noradrenaline compounds in the brain so that it can help concentration power and control impulses. Atomoxetine can be prescribed to teens and children over six years of age.
All medications have side effects, including medications for ADHD. Some of the common side effects that occur when using it are headaches, lack of appetite, and indigestion. But atomoxetine users should be more vigilant because this drug is also suspected to trigger more serious side effects, namely triggering suicidal ideation and liver damage.
Patients who have undergone treatment steps should regularly see a doctor until the symptoms of ADHD are significantly reduced. Even after his condition improves, the patient is still advised to undergo periodic examinations.
Handling Through Therapy
In addition to medication, treatment for ADHD can be complemented by therapy. This method is also useful for treating other disorders that may accompany ADHD, such as depression. Types of therapy that can be an option include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This therapy will help people with ADHD to change their mindset and behavior when facing certain problems or situations.
- Psychological therapy. People with ADHD will be invited to share stories in this therapy, for example their difficulties in overcoming ADHD symptoms and finding ways to overcome symptoms.
- Social interaction training. This type of therapy can help people with ADHD understand socially appropriate behaviors in certain situations.
People who are close to people with ADHD such as parents, siblings, and teachers also need knowledge and help in order to guide the sufferer. Here are some types of therapy and training that may be useful.
- Behavioral therapy. In this therapy, parents and caregivers of people with ADHD will be trained to develop strategies to help the sufferer in daily behavior and overcome difficult situations. For example, by implementing a system of praise to encourage patients.
- Training and teaching program for parents. In addition to helping parents better understand the behavior of people with ADHD, this step can also provide an idea of the specific guidance that sufferers need.
ADHD cannot be cured, but proper diagnosis and treatment early on can help sufferers adapt to their condition.