The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 8.8% of American kids between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point. It’s likely that if you have ADHD, you’ve been told you’ll have to put up with it.
Nevertheless, you can handle this. This blog will help you comprehend ADHD and what it means for people living with the disorder. It will give you a better understanding of some of the difficulties that persons with ADHD have and offer advice on how to deal with them.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by issues with controlling impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and poor attention span. There are three forms of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
- The combined type of ADHD (characterized by both inattentiveness and hyperactivity)
ADHD can affect all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, with symptoms appearing in early childhood. People with ADHD are prone to be easily distracted by background sounds or other nearby people. They struggle with concentration and frequently overlook tasks, due dates, or even important dates.
Symptoms of ADHD
The following are the most typical signs and symptoms of ADHD that start appearing in childhood. However, each child may not present all of these at once.
- Inadequate academic skills for one’s age
- Lack of organizing skills
- Forgetfulness
- Prone to distraction
- Trouble paying attention to details
- Short attention span
- Lack of focus; shifts from one activity to another without finishing any of them
- Frequently and regularly loses stuff
- Talks too much
- Squirms or fidgets with hands while seated; excessive fidgeting
- Have issues staying seated
- Frequently takes risks and acts without thinking
- Has trouble waiting for their turn in social games or at school
- Interrupts people a lot
The Treatment of ADHD
Medication is the most used form of treatment for ADHD. As soon as ADHD is diagnosed, it’s the first form of treatment prescribed by health professionals in most cases. Some people also go through counseling or psychotherapy as part of their treatment regimen.
While some people respond well to drug use alone, many others require the support and direction offered by therapy sessions with their pharmaceutical schedule.
ADHD Medications
Different drugs help treat ADHD in both adults and children. Stimulant medications like Adderall, Dexedrine, or Ritalin are the most popular treatments for ADHD. These function by raising dopamine levels in the brain, which are known to play a key role in impulse control and hyperactivity.
Additionally, non-stimulant drugs such atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Catapres), guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv, TenexTap), tricyclic antidepressants, and stimulant drugs also help manage ADHD effectively.
Sound Therapy
Music is a form of art created by someone who wishes to communicate their emotions. Not only is music therapeutic, but it also has healing properties. If someone struggles to manage emotions, music can comfort and relax them and help them feel better.
ADHD music therapy focuses on the underlying causes of the disorder’s behavioral symptoms. Children with ADHD can benefit from music by developing their social skills. It’s most effective when combined with medication, CBT, and other therapies.
ADHD Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is an emerging area of practice with ADHD. By concentrating on the crucial aspects of daily life, occupational therapists strive to improve the quality of life for their patients. These include enhancing organizational abilities, self-esteem, self-expression, and behavior at home and school.
Occupational therapy helps people become more independent and satisfied with their lives as they are encouraged to overcome obstacles in accomplishing everyday work tasks. It discusses the significance of a person’s emotional and psychological health and emphasizes enhancing these by therapeutically employing activities.
Dietary Supplements
People are looking for alternatives to conventional medical care now more than ever. The high expense of living and the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle are the main causes of this. For the treatment of their illnesses, people are turning to complementary and alternative medicine.
To help them deal with the issue, they are taking various oils, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Vitamin C, melatonin, magnesium, iron, zinc, and omega 3s are some of the most effective minerals and vitamins in mitigating ADHD symptoms.
Reach Out To Reliable Primary Care Physicians in San Antonio
If your kid exhibits any of the ADHD symptoms mentioned above, head to A Thru Z Pediatrics immediately to find out the underlying cause.
Our skilled pediatricians provide affordable primary care pediatric services for infants and young adults at one of the top pediatrician clinics in San Antonio. Our experts will guide you on how to meet your child’s nutritional needs to keep them healthy.
We also provide immunizations, well-child visits Schertz, telemedicine services, and several other services to maintain your child’s health.
Contact us today to keep your child protected from various diseases during their early years.