All minors can go through difficult stages in which their behavior is not what parents expect. Raising a child is not an easy task. However, there are situations that can become desperate. If the child seems unmotivated, has poor academic performance, is disorganized, fights with his classmates and receives frequent punishments, it could be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is the most common mental disorder in childhood and adolescence, and consists of an alteration in brain development that affects the brain maturation process. Dr. Rosa Nicolau, psychologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, comments: “It is estimated that, within a classroom, each teacher has between one and three affected children.” Although it can improve over time, it is considered a chronic disorder, meaning it lasts a lifetime.
It is estimated that, within a classroom, each teacher has between one and three affected children.
As the name suggests, the most common symptom of ADHD is inattention. This includes difficulties staying focused on long tasks and staying organized, making careless mistakes, or losing and forgetting necessary items. The second main symptom is hyperactivity, characterized by excessive and inappropriate motor and/or vocal activity. This can be reflected in difficulty staying seated, constant restlessness in the hands and feet, or difficulty performing quiet leisure activities. Added to hyperactivity is impulsivity, which leads to acting without evaluating the consequences. People with this characteristic tend to be pushy and frequently interrupt the activities of others.
ADHD is also associated with the inability to inhibit behaviors and delay gratification. Another symptom, although not the main one, is difficulty regulating emotions. It is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls, in a ratio of nine to one. This could be because they have more attention problems than behavior problems. “Girls often present more attention difficulties than behavioral problems. This is attributed to immature, childish, childish behavior,” explains Dr. Nicolau. This explains why there are fewer ADHD diagnoses in girls.
There is no specific medical or psychological test to diagnose ADHD; Only an expert professional can do this through interviews, questionnaires and direct observation. It is essential to speak with both teachers and parents, as well as with the minor to know their perspective. Dr. Marta Garcia, psychiatrist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, highlights: “Many of these children say: ‘I’m stupid’, ‘I don’t do it the same as my classmates’, or ‘I must be bad because they are punishing me all day’” .
Nor should we assume that any minor or adolescent with behavioral problems has ADHD. To confirm the diagnosis, some symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and be more intense than in others of the same age. Furthermore, they must persist over time and affect the minor’s daily life, while ruling out the presence of other disorders or circumstances. Once ADHD is diagnosed, how can it be treated considering that it is chronic?
Many of these children say: ‘I’m stupid’, ‘I don’t do it the same as my classmates’, or ‘I must be bad because they are punishing me all day’.
Treatment not only focuses on reducing symptoms, but also on educating the patient and their environment. It includes medication (indicated only for moderate or severe cases), as well as psychological and psychopedagogical therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven to be the most effective, since it helps the minor understand what is happening to him and collaborate with his own treatment, while the family learns to manage their child’s behavior. Additionally, teachers must adapt the school environment to the needs of students with ADHD. But what happens when these minors grow up?
One of the most common problems for adults with ADHD is relationship problems. Low self-esteem, which can lead to an anxiety disorder, susceptibility and organizational problems can affect the ability to relate. Additionally, studies suggest that mothers with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve the quality of life of those who have this disorder.
The origin of ADHD
Genetic and environmental causes
What causes someone to develop ADHD at a young age? To a large extent, the answer lies in the genes. Some are directly related to the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, and certain chromosomes may present alterations that contribute to the development of the disorder. However, not only genetic factors are relevant. The environment also plays an important role: complications in childbirth or experiences of violence in childhood can influence the appearance of ADHD by activating or modifying the activity of these genes. Furthermore, a study published in the journal Journal of Pediatrics showed that premature babies are more likely to present symptoms associated with ADHD.
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