Dr. Sheela Homeopathic Healthcare Clinic
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ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It's a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. People with ADHD may have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, which can interfere with functioning and development in various aspects of life such as school, work, and relationships.
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Key features of ADHD include:
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1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, following through on instructions, and often making careless mistakes.
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2. Hyperactivity: Excessive motor activity, such as restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty remaining seated.
3. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and having difficulty waiting for their turn.
Types of ADHD
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ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can be categorized into three main types, based on the predominant symptoms a person exhibits. These types are:
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Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: This type was previously known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Individuals with this presentation primarily struggle with inattention. They may have difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. They might also be easily distracted and forgetful in daily activities.
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Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: People with this type primarily display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget or squirm frequently, have difficulty staying seated, talk excessively, interrupt others, and have trouble waiting their turn.
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Combined Presentation: This is the most common type of ADHD. Individuals with this presentation exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They may struggle with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across various situations.
Causes of ADHD
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The exact causes of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are not fully understood, but research suggests that it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Here are some key factors that are thought to contribute to the development of ADHD:
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1. Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Studies have shown that genes play a significant role in the risk of developing ADHD. Certain genetic variations affecting neurotransmitter systems (such as dopamine) and brain development may contribute to ADHD symptoms.
2. Brain Structure and Function: Differences in brain structure and function have been observed in individuals with ADHD. Areas of the brain involved in attention, impulse control, and activity level may develop and function differently in people with ADHD compared to those without the disorder.
3. Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells. Imbalances or dysregulation in neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, have been implicated in ADHD. These neurotransmitters play important roles in regulating attention, behavior, and impulse control.
4. Environmental Factors: Certain prenatal and early childhood factors may increase the risk of developing ADHD, including:
5. Prenatal exposure to substances: Maternal smoking, alcohol use, or exposure to toxins during pregnancy.
6. Premature birth or low birth weight: These factors have been associated with higher rates of ADHD.
7. Early childhood exposure to lead: Lead exposure has been linked to ADHD symptoms.
8. Social and Psychological Factors: Although not direct causes, factors such as parenting practices, family dynamics, and social environments
may influence the expression and severity of ADHD symptoms.
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It's important to note that ADHD is a complex disorder with varying degrees of severity and presentation.
Symptoms of ADHD
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ADHD symptoms can manifest differently depending on the age of the individual. Here's a breakdown of how symptoms may present across different age groups:
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Preschool-Aged Children (Ages 3-5):
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Difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks.
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Easily distracted or forgetful in daily activities.
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Constantly in motion, often running, climbing, or squirming when expected to be still.
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Difficulty playing quietly.
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Talks excessively.
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Impulsive behaviors such as grabbing toys from other children or interrupting conversations.
School-Aged Children (Ages 6-12):
1) Inattention:
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Poor attention to detail, makes careless mistakes.
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Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
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Frequently loses or misplaces items.
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Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
2) Hyperactivity:
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Fidgets or squirms in seat.
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Runs or climbs excessively.
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Talks excessively.
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3) Impulsivity:
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Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
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Interrupts or intrudes on others.
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Adolescents (Ages 13-17):
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1) Inattention:
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Difficulty organizing tasks.
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Forgetfulness in daily activities.
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Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
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2) Hyperactivity:
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Fidgets or taps hands or feet.
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Difficulty remaining seated in class or other situations.
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3) Impulsivity:
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Interrupts conversations or activities of others.
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Takes risks without considering consequences.
Adults (Ages 18 and older):
1) Inattention:
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Difficulty sustaining attention in work or social situations.
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Poor time management and organizational skills.
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Difficulty completing tasks.
2) Hyperactivity:
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Restlessness.
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Difficulty relaxing.
3) Impulsivity:
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Impulsive spending or decision-making.
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Difficulty waiting their turn in conversations or activities.
It's important to note that not all individuals with ADHD will exhibit all symptoms, and symptoms can change over time.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
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Symptoms of ADHD may change as you get older. They include:
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Often being late or forgetting things
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Restlessness
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Trouble controlling anger
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Impulsiveness
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Trouble staying organized
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Procrastination
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Easily frustrated
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Often bored
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Trouble concentrating when reading
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Mood swings
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Depression
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These symptoms often cause you to have trouble at work and in relationships.
