10 Essensial Attention Deficit Disorder Facts

10 Essensial Attention Deficit Disorder Facts
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ADHD is a condition characterized by hyperactivity and inattention. It is a fairly common condition that is being increasingly recognized in school children. There is a lot of information and news about ADHD in the media, and it’s often hard to know what to believe. Here are ten essensial Attention Deficit Disorder facts that you should know.

Fact 1: ADHD is a Real Disease

Some people claim that the invention of ADHD is a business gimmick, and was done to benefit drug companies. Some feel that it is an excuse that ineffective teachers use. However, this is not true. ADHD is a medical condition that has specific symptoms and criteria. It has been observed over more than a decade in children all over the world. It is not merely an excuse for children who misbehave.

Fact 2: ADHD is Characterized by Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Decreased attention, hyperactive behavior and impulsivity are the three main signs of ADHD. However, all the signs are not seen in all children with ADHD. Some children may predominantly have features of inattention, while others may mainly be hyperactive. However, diagnosis can only be made after observing the child and collecting history.

Fact 3: There is No Cure for ADHD

Some companies claim to have a cure for ADHD, however, this is not true. There is no medication or treatment procedure that has been found to cure ADHD. Most methods of management help to control the symptoms and aim to help the person with ADHD achieve their best. Research on treatment for ADHD is in progress.

Fact 4: Medication can Help Children with ADHD

Some medications like Ritalin have been found to help decrease ADHD symptoms. Children diagnosed with ADHD are able to concentrate and learn more easily with medication. Thus, this is the most commonly used mode of treatment for children with ADHD. ADHD medication should be administered regularly and continued to keep symptoms under control.

Fact 5: Behavioral Techniques have been Proven Effective for ADHD

A number of studies have shown that behavioral techniques are effective in helping children with ADHD learn. A number of techniques including positive reinforcement, time out, response cost and token economy have been found effective for children with ADHD. Special educators are experienced in working with children with ADHD and helping them learn. Parents and teachers can also learn some of these behavioral techniques and use them to help children with ADHD.

Fact 6: ADHD Medication has Minimal Side Effects

Medication for ADHD may have some side effects like decreased appetite and sleep disturbances. Long term usage of ADHD medication does not lead to addiction or psychosis. Thus ADHD medication is safe to use for children on a long term basis.

Fact 7: ADHD Does Not Cause Mental Retardation.

Children with ADHD have difficulties in sitting down and attending to tasks, however they do not have mental retardation. With special teaching techniques children with ADHD can do well in school.

Fact 8: Teens with ADHD need Special Support

ADHD symptoms continue through teenage and adulthood, and teens with ADHD need support to cope with studies, and life. Teens with adhd struggle with the high demands in college, organizing their time, and impulses. They may also have difficulties in relationships. Counselling and support groups can help teens with ADHD to cope with all their struggles.

Fact 9: ADHD is Not Caused by Poor Parenting or Family Problems

Some parents may feel that their poor parenting skills or family problems caused ADHD in their child, however this is not true. ADHD is a medical condition caused by genetic and biological factors.

Some researchers claim that ADHD is caused by sugar intake, and decreasing sugar intake will reduce ADHD symptoms. However, this fact has not been proven by reliable research. The actual cause for ADHD is still to be discovered.

Hope these Attention Deficit Disorder facts helped you to understand more about this condition. For more resources on latest research in ADHD and ADHD intervention, continue to browse through www.brighthub.com

References:

National Institute of Mental Health. (2008). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

University of Michigan Health System. (2005). UMHS Attention Deficit Disorder Guideline.

ADDitute Magazine, 7 Myths about ADHD debunked, retrieved from: https://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/2731.html