Understanding Causes
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting approximately 5–8% of children, primarily boys, and often persisting into adulthood. ADHD significantly impacts daily tasks and learning with three core characteristics:
- Inattention: Difficulty maintaining focus and concentration.
- Hyperactivity: Excessive movement inappropriate to situations, such
as frequent fidgeting, tapping, or talking. - Impulsivity: Hastily acting without careful consideration, potentially leading to risky consequences.
The exact causes remain unclear; however, several contributing factors are identified:
- Genetic inheritance
- Childhood trauma
- Premature birth
- Brain injuries
- Exposure to environmental toxins like lead
- Maternal factors during pregnancy (smoking, alcohol consumption, extreme stress)
Parents should understand that ADHD is not caused by parenting style and avoid self-blame.
Recognizing Symptoms
ADHD symptoms vary in severity and may present as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination:
- Inattention: Frequently forgetful, easily distracted, difficulty completing tasks, appears not to listen, poor organizational skills, often misplaces belongings.
- Hyperactivity: Constant restlessness, excessive energy, difficulty staying seated or quiet, excessive talking, struggling with quiet activities.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting turns, interrupting others, blurting out answers prematurely, invading personal space.
Treatment Options at MBI
While ADHD has no cure, symptoms can be effectively managed to improve daily functioning:
Medication: Often essential; stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) commonly prescribed, with alternatives like antidepressants available if needed.
Psychotherapy: Behavioral management strategies including clear rules, structured routines, and targeted therapeutic support.
Education & Training: Social skills development for children and education for parents and teachers about managing disruptive behavior and emotional challenges.
Medication: Often essential; stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) commonly prescribed, with alternatives like antidepressants available if needed.
Psychotherapy: Behavioral management strategies including clear rules, structured routines, and targeted therapeutic support.
Education & Training: Social skills development for children and education for parents and teachers about managing disruptive behavior and emotional challenges.