Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a biologically based disorder,
which involves a pattern of decreased attention span interspersed
with periods of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Both ADD and ADHD
are similar conditions and are often difficult to distinguish in
children. Children with ADD have a very short attention span,
while those with ADHD are hyperactive and may not be able to sit
in one place for long. Some children might naturally be more
active than others but this does not amount to ADD.
There are three subcategories of ADD:
* predominantly inattentive
* predominantly hyperactive
* combined type
The disorder is more common in males and is mostly observed in
children. Though traits can be carried over to adulthood, the
disease is eminently treatable in childhood, and the symptoms can
be easily brought under control.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of the disorder is not known. However, there may
be certain risk factors that predispose a child to the disorder.
Exposure to toxins before birth and premature birth are two such
factors. Children with ADD usually have a family history of
discord, bad performance in school and other related behavioural
disorders. ADHD is also more common in children who have a close
relative with the disorder. Sometimes, injury to the central
nervous system may also lead to the condition.
What are the symptoms?
Children with the disorder are not able to concentrate on one
thing for long. Their attention span may range from a few seconds
to a few minutes. These children may be irritable most of the
time. Some children may also be extremely destructive and prone to
breaking objects.
While in a structured activity like a classroom session, ADD
children may seem to "phase out" and the teacher may feel that
they are not paying attention. Some hyperactive children may walk
out in the middle of a class, and may have to be kept occupied in
a separate section for special children.
Some of the salient behaviours of a
hyperactive child may be as follows:
* Fails to pay close attention to details
* Makes careless mistakes, especially in school work
* Is very fidgety with his hands and feet
* Throws temper tantrums and may resort to breaking things
* Talks too much
* Has difficulty awaiting his turn
* Is easily distracted by things happening around him
How is it diagnosed?
In most cases, the disorder comes to light when the child fails to
do well in school. The school counsellor may test for signs of
hyperactivity in the child. The diagnosis for ADHD is given only
when the counsellor feels that the child's hyperactivity is
interfering with his daily routine.
What is the treatment?
Since ADHD is not a disease, it cannot be cured. Most children
with ADHD may however, be prescribed medicines like
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) to curb their hyperactivity. A dual
approach however is necessary to bring the condition under
control. The child may need to be put in special education classes
where the pace is set by the child and he is not unduly pressured.
Integrative education is the new form of classroom teaching that
is of much help to children with lack of concentration. In this
form of education, the child studies at his own pace and academic
education is supplemented with behaviour therapy to mould his
behaviour to social norms.
What are the long term implications of
the condition?
Children with ADHD usually grow up to be useful citizens of the
society. If the disorder is diagnosed and treated early, these
children adapt themselves to the ways of the society and may have
no problems in adjusting to the normal routine. Though the
treatment measures used may cause some stunting of growth in
children, most children catch up later on. The prognosis for
children with ADHD is usually good.
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