The
main features of the deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or in Portuguese,
ADHD) are in his name. The attention problems include "daydreaming",
have difficulty concentrating and are easily distracted. Hyperactivity refers
to restlessness or agitation. A person with the disorder may be impulsive or
disturbing, may have relationship problems and may be prone to accidents. The
hyperactivity and impulsivity improve, often as the person matures, but
attention problems tend to extend into adulthood.
The hyperactivity disorder attention deficit disorder is diagnosed, usually in
childhood, can appear in a variety of forms and have many causes. People with
ADHD have probably an underlying genetic vulnerability to develop, but the
severity of the problem is also influenced by the environment. The conflict and
stress tend to aggravate it.
The ADHD is the most common problem seen in outpatient mental health
institutions (ie without inpatient) of children and adolescents. It is
estimated that ADHD affects between 5% and 10% of school-age children. Boys are
more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. Studies suggest that there
was a significant increase in the number of ADHD diagnoses with the years, but
there are still doubts about whether there is actually a greater number of
people with the disorder or whether this difference is explained by the
diagnosis be made with greater frequency. The definition of the disorder has
changed over the past decades and will continue to evolve as experts have more
explanations about the biology associated with this situation.
The hyperactivity component is less apparent in adult ADHD. Adults tend to have
problems with memory and concentration problems and may have to organize
themselves and make commitments at work or at home. As consequences of
malfunction may develop anxiety, low self-esteem or mood problems. Some people
turn to substances to cope with these feelings.
Treatment
Although no treatment to completely eliminate ADHD are available many useful
options. The goal of treatment is to help children improve their social
relations, doing better in school and reduce their harmful or disruptive
behavior to a minimum. The medication may be very useful and often required,
but the drug treatment itself is seldom the solution. In general, medication
and psychotherapy together provide the best results. For example, can take up a
behavioral program where structured set realistic expectations.
For many decades they use stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines
forms. They are relatively safe and effective for most children to help them
focus their thoughts and control his behavior. With the development of forms of
long-acting stimulant, a dose in the morning can provide an effect that lasts
throughout the day.
Despite its name, the stimulants do not cause increased hyperactivity or
impulsivity. If the disturbance has been properly diagnosed, medication has in
fact the opposite effect. The common side effects are mild decreased appetite,
weight loss, stomach pain, sleep disturbance, headache (headache) and anxiety.
A dose adjustment may often help eliminate these problems. The stimulant drugs
are associated with some concerns and serious side effects:
• Tics. There is some evidence that tics (uncontrolled movements) are more
likely in patients with a family history of tic disorders, but this is still
controversial.
• Substance abuse. Although stimulants may be (and often are) used in excess,
recent research shows that, in fact, can reduce the risk of substance abuse for
people with ADHD.
• Delays growth. Experts disagree as to the effects of stimulants on growth.
There is some evidence that children taking stimulants grow at a rate lower
than expected. Some doctors recommend a provisional stop taking stimulants
during periods of high growth will expectedly.
• Cardiovascular risk. Children taking stimulants have small increases in blood
pressure and heart rate. However, the occurrence of significant cardiac
complications in children, adolescents and adults taking these drugs is
extremely rare. The stimulants are not an excessive cardiovascular risk in
children and adolescents except in patients who already have heart defects or
underlying disease.
Given that risks vary greatly depending on the individual, it is essential to
discuss with your doctor the potential benefits and risks of each treatment.
Also available are not exciting other medications for treating ADHD.
Atomoxetine, which works by a mechanism different chemical, is as effective as
stimulants for the treatment of ADHD and is a relatively safe drug, but has a
rare risk of liver toxicity. The anti-depressant bupropion is useful in some
cases and, in general, is also well tolerated, but should not be given to
people with a history of seizures.
Other approaches to treatment, used alone or in combination, may include:
• Behavioral therapy - are techniques that attempt to improve the behavior,
usually to reward and encourage desirable behavior and discourage undesirable
behavior, highlighting the consequences.
• Cognitive therapy - This is psychotherapy designed to change thinking in
order to increase self-esteem, avoid negative thoughts and develop
problem-solving techniques.
• Training of social techniques - Developing techniques improves social
friendships.
• Education and support of parents - training classes, support groups and
counselors can help support parents, teaching them strategies for dealing with
behaviors related to ADHD.
Given that many children with ADHD are affected by bad grades and behavior
problems at school, schools may have to make adjustments and educational
interventions (such as an individual education plan) to promote the best
possible learning environment for the child.
Prevention
Do not fully understand the exact cause of ADHD, there are many factors
associated with its development. There may be difficulty in avoiding these
factors, but controlling them may reduce the risk of developing the disorder:
• Psychosocial Adversity - severe marital conflict, criminal behavior of the
father, the mother's mental disorder, poverty, child's placement in foster
homes
• Complications during pregnancy or childbirth - poor maternal health, fetal
disorder, low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Use of tobacco, alcohol or other substances by the mother during pregnancy
• Lead poisoning - although exposure to lead does not contribute to many cases
and many children who are exposed to lead not develop ADHD
Research shows that food probably NOT cause ADHD.
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