ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a condition that both children and adults suffer from; however, it always begins during childhood or during the teen years. This is a chronic condition that affects millions of people.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin before a child is 12-years-old. In some children, the symptoms can begin as early as 3-years-old. The severity of the symptoms vary from child to child, varying from mild to severe.
This condition occurs mostly in boys. Also, the symptoms differ between girls and boys. Boys tend to be more hyperactive while girls are often more quiet and inattentive. There are three subtypes of ADHD. They include:
- Predominately inattentive: This subtype causes inattentive symptoms.
- Predominately hyperactive-impulsive: The symptoms of this type include hyperactivity and being impulsive.
- Combined: This is the most common subtype. The symptoms are a mixture of being inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive.
Inattention Behaviors
If a child shows a pattern of inattention, parents will notice the following:
- Making careless mistakes in school and failure to pay attention to detail.
- Having trouble focusing on tasks and while playing.
- Not listening even when someone is speaking directly to the.
- Difficulty following through on instructions and schoolwork.
- Difficulty organizing tasks and other activities.
- A disinterest in school
- Being easily distracted
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Behaviors
If a child shows a pattern of hyperactivity and impulsivity, parents will notice the following:
- Inability to sit still
- Having trouble sitting still in class
- Being in constant motion
- Running around at times when it is inappropriate
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Talking too much
- Constantly interrupting people when they are talking
- Having trouble waiting their turn
Both the inattention and hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors can make it difficult for a child to do well in school. When a child begins showing symptoms of ADHD their grades start to suffer, and they often have conduct issues in the classroom.
Causes Of ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown; however, there are certain factors that put a child at higher risk. These include:
- Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families.
- Environment: Certain environmental factors, such as lead exposure increase the risk.
- Development: Problems with the child's central nervous system development can play a role.
- Maternal Behavior: If the mother smoked, drank, or used drugs, the child is more at risk.
Treating ADHD
Amphetamines and Methylphenidate are often prescribed to treat this condition.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, you should make an appointment with Nichols Chiropractic. We are more than just a chiropractor in Manhattan KS. Other than chiropractic care, we also specialize in pain management and functional medicine. We can help you get to the root of your child's problem, and if necessary, we can begin a treatment plan.
