Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder which causes difficulties paying attention, inability to control behavior, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and poor executive functions among other symptoms. People with ADHD often are easily distracted both by their surroundings and themselves and can be prone to impulsive behaviors. As many as 5% of school children have been diagnosed with ADHD, making it one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD can affect both kids and adults and can range from mild to moderate to severe.
If you are concerned that a loved one or child may suffer from attention deficit disorder, you should get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor or health care professional. An accurate diagnosis can help determine what type of treatment is necessary and that treatment will help your loved one the most. When considering treatment options for ADHD, your primary care doctor is the best person to diagnose and prescribe the right type of medication. Your primary care physician can also refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist if other treatment options are not appropriate for your loved one.
If your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, he or she probably will need a combination of therapy, medication, and behavioral management techniques. In addition, diet and exercise can play a role in helping improve the symptoms of ADHD in your child. The attention deficit disorder definition has changed over time but the basic characteristics remain true. There are new criteria that were added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) that include more specific requirements for diagnosing ADHD.
Some of the additional requirements for attention deficit disorder definition now require that a child have at least five specific symptoms before being diagnosed. The list of symptoms used to define ADHD includes hyperactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, physical twitching, and the inability to concentrate. These symptoms must be present in the child for at least six months before a diagnosis can be made.
If you are curious about what your child may be suffering from, you should visit your pediatrician. A doctor can run tests, collect information, and develop a treatment plan to help your child. If your child is ready for treatment, he or she will be referred by his or her pediatrician. In some cases, your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Your primary care physician will likely use the current attention deficit disorder definition of ADHD as the basis for diagnosing your child’s disorder. Once diagnosed, treatment can begin.
One of the most common forms of treatment for attention deficit disorder definition is through the use of stimulant based medications. Stimulants are drugs that are designed to help treat these disorders. They are typically prescribed for around six months or until the symptoms of the disorder have stabilized. Some people choose alternative forms of treatment such as therapy. There are many types of therapy available to those with attention deficit disorder. One of the most popular forms of therapy is behavioral therapy.
If your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder definition B, he or she may be encouraged to participate in a behavior modification program. The main purpose of this type of treatment is to teach your child new skills, avoid the behaviors that trigger the ADHD symptoms, and improve interpersonal relationships. You may also want to consider alternative forms of treatment such as homeopathic remedies. In the past, traditional medications such as Ritalin have been used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder definition B. However, adverse side effects have been reported and as a result, more people are turning towards homeopathic remedies as a viable option.
The good news is that your attention deficit disorder definition can change over time. Remember that you don’t have to continue treatment until the doctor advised you to do so. Medication changes your brain chemistry and it may not be the best option for you after all. Don’t become so frustrated that you give up. As long as you are willing to look at different options, you can overcome attention deficit disorder definition B. You don’t have to live a life filled with the anxious feelings and the lack of energy.