In the US, children of the age group between 3 and 17 are found with ADHD. Most of the people may go through other mental health conditions. Individuals with ADHD are also found suffering from problems like depression, anxiety disorder, stress, etc. The symptoms of ADHD can affect on life directly or indirectly such as school, work, and even relationships. It can also show adverse effect on the concentration and relaxation of an individual in certain situations. A question arises what causes ADHD in the brain actually and how is it treated?
In this blog, you are going to learn about ADHD, its signs or symptoms, causes, and treatments. Read the blog till the end to clear confusion on ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) often occurs in childhood, but may remain till adulthood in people. It is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and mental disorders which mostly occur in children.
These children can experience difficulties like impulsive behavior, trouble paying attention, fidgeting, interruption in conversation, talkativeness, etc. These are also the signs or symptoms of ADHD in patients.
Difference Between People with ADHD Brain and People Without this Condition
Patients with ADHD, have brains that mature more slowly or have different activity levels than a neurotypical brain. There are some brain differences that may change as a child matures and grows older.
Function of Brain: ADHD can directly affect brain function or network in many ways. This network consists of neurons and it is a group of nerve cells with the help of these cells it sends information throughout the brain. People with ADHD may take more time to develop and this can affect the moods, emotions, and brain cell connections of a patient.
Structure of Brain: As per studies, it’s important to note that the size of a brain does not affect the ability, intelligence, and power of a person. Whereas it is compared with children without ADHD, children with ADHD often have smaller brains but it may take more time to mature.
Development of Brain: The development of the brain begins a few weeks after conception and is thought to be complete by early adulthood. The brain is divided into different sections known as lobes, the frontal lobe controls key functions related to memory, communication, planning and organization, focus and concentration, etc. ADHD directly affects the frontal part and it is the largest part in the brain. This part of the brain may mature slowly or show disrupted activity and connectivity in people with ADHD.
What Causes ADHD in the Brain in People: Symptoms and How They Treated?
According to doctors and studies, the cause of ADHD is still unknown. However, they suggest that ADHD is a genetic problem. These ADHD patients are found with low levels of brain chemicals (dopamine) and brain metabolism is also lower in the parts of the brain that control attention, movement thoughts, etc.
There are some reasons that can cause ADHD in people, such as:
- Complications during pregnancy or premature delivery.
- Excessive use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy.
- Brain health problems or injuries.
- Low birth weight of a child.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD in Individuals?
Adults and children with ADHD can show the different signs that are as follows:
- Impulsive behavior: These patients act too quickly without any thinking. They can interrupt while talking, push or grab things, and they can hardly wait for anything. These people may do things without permission or act in ways that are risky for their or others’ health.
- Hyperactive: These children are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have problems sitting still or staying quiet. These patients are always in a hurry and make careless mistakes. They can even jump, and climb on rough surfaces when they should not.
- Inattentive: In this case, children found difficulties in focusing their attention, and concentration and performing well on tasks. These people may seem forgetful or absent-minded, and lose track of their things.
What are the Complications of ADHD?
ADHD can lead to a number of complications. These complications may include:
- Poor Self-esteem
- Problem in sleeping
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Job instability
- Problem in relationship
- Impulsive behavior
How is ADHD Treated?
Treatment of ADHD
Proper treatment of any disease is very important and can help lessen the effects of the condition. Individuals should take proper medication, therapy, and other ways to get rid of ADHD.
Medical Treatment: A doctor can recommend psychostimulant drugs after a proper examination of the patient’s health conditions. These medicines help in balancing the chemicals that are present in the brain. It also helps the brain focus and also decreases the various symptoms of ADHD.
Medications which are used for treating ADHD in people are as follows:
- Amphetamine
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Methylphenidate
Some brand-name medicines that are commonly used to manage symptoms of ADHD are as follows-
Behavior Therapy: It helps patients to improve their attention and physical activity. These therapies help people to change their thinking and behavior patterns. The talking therapy namely Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that is a common treatment for ADHD.
Other Ways or Easy ways are as follows:
Parents Coaching Activity: In this activity, parents and guardians learn the best ways that they should respond to the behavior problems of ADHD patients.
Plenty of Sleep: Adults or children should take proper sleep at night for 7 to 9 hours. This practice will help them in reducing stress.
Relaxation of the body: This will help patients in various situations by reducing anxiety and stress such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, etc. Patients can join yoga classes, and go for a walk and these practices aid patients to stay calm and relaxed.
Conclusion
ADHD is often diagnosed in the childhood stage. Children with ADHD may have problems paying attention to them. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive. The main reason for ADHD may be genetic and it tends to run in families.
Parents should visit a healthcare provider for treatment of ADHD after observing their child’s behavior. This can be improved when children get proper treatment, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and exercise, and with the help of supportive parents who know how to react to ADHD patients.