Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common disorders found in children. It can continue until adulthood if not diagnosed or treated on time. ADHD starts getting evident in children between 3 and 6 years of age.

Teachers can identify it more easily

Since the symptoms of this psychiatric disorder can be just a childhood tantrum; it is difficult to diagnose it in its initial phases. Often it is noticed first by the teachers because they are able to do a comparative analysis of the child with other children in the class and identify that the behavior is different than the rest.

If tantrums are beyond control, then it's a warning sign

Childhood is all about being inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive at times but in children suffering from ADHD, these tantrums start getting evident to a much higher degree. They start showing an ongoing pattern of either or a combination of the following types of behaviors:

Hyperactivity – Children who suffer from hyperactivity fidget and squirm in their seats, are overactive and constantly in motion, have trouble sitting still when they are expected to sit quietly for e.g.: in the classroom or other settings like a hospital, public transport, etc., move around here and there, keep climbing on something or the other

Predominantly inattentive - Children suffering from inattention face difficulty in focusing over things, struggle in following a sequence, become bored with a task in just a short span of time, forget things, keep on switching from one activity to another and struggle to follow instructions, make careless mistakes in studies despite repeated reminders, do not acknowledge when someone is speaking directly, are not able to manage time, keep losing things like stationery, books, keys, toys, etc.

Impulsive – Children suffering from impulsivity are very impatient, have the tendency of interrupting others' activities or conversations, talk non-stop, show their emotions without any restrain, blurt out inappropriate comments and often have difficulty in waiting for their turn, intrude in other's job, act without thinking

 Why attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Many pieces of research stress the fact that ADHD is a disease that is hereditary in nature. Some children carry a certain gene due to which they have thinner brain tissue which causes difficulty in focusing or paying attention. Some studies suggest a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children of such mothers. ADHD can also be caused by environmental factors like overexposure to lead through paints in old buildings, plumbing fixtures, etc. Brain injuries in children can be one of the causes of ADHD. Children can display signs of hyperactivity if they consume food additives like preservatives or artificial colors too much in their diet. Some food types might cause ADHD in children. For e.g., excessive consumption of sugar.

Treatment is possible

Through treatment, ADHD can be reduced and the normal functioning of the child can be restored to a great extent. Treatment can consist of either a combination of different types of psychotherapy, training/education, medication, or either of these based on the extent of the problem.

Behavioral therapy helps in coping well during emotionally disturbing situations. Children may stop struggling while completing their tasks like homework. Behavioral therapy conditions the child to monitor his /her own behavior so that he/she can control bouts of anger or disruptive activity on one's own over the course of time.

The medications that reduce the symptom of ADHD are commonly referred to as stimulants. They come in the form of skin patches, liquid, pills, or capsules. Stimulants have a calming effect on the child and improve physical coordination.

Parents and teachers can bring a positive change

Parents and teachers should work in conjunction to come up with structured routines, tasks, and goals of the day so that the child is able to build the habit of working in a controlled manner. Social skills like being patient while waiting for one's turn, sharing, etc. can be inculcated. They should encourage the child to develop a new skill so that the energies are constructively utilized. Handling children suffering from ADHD is challenging. Parents and teachers are bound to lose patience sometimes but their loving care is what such children need.