Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Talking about a mental disorder is like speaking about sexuality. Not that the latter is less important but the fact that both the subjects are hardly acknowledged is dangerous.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common disorder found amongst all age groups. Especially children and young adults. Most probably, half of the population having this disorder are not even aware of its existence and effects.

What is ADHD?

It is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The name itself reveals a lot about.

In children it is often quite visible. The symptoms range from doing too much activities, not being able to be still for a time span and lacking focus. With regard to this age group, the symptoms are clearly visible and may hamper the child’s education and causes many more distress in home and school. Many children outgrow ADHD but others may be effected in their adolescence and adulthood.
In such scenarios, the teachers and the school should look after the learning impairment by introducing the child new teaching techniques, learning skills and modified curriculum

In teens the Symptoms may get worse due to the hormonal changes of adolescence and the sudden increase of academic pressure on them
Symptoms include forgetting dates of assignments, may interrupt their classmates and teachers, rush in assignments. The teens may often do a number of tasks while forgetting the primary tasks to be completed. Their lack of focus extends to peer relationships. This may lead to the teen securing bad grades in the school.

ADHD in adults is common. However, many adults are unaware about it. Anxiety and panic attacks have become so common in the generation that differentiating them from ADHD,especially in absence of knowledge about mental health, is too long a process for the face paced world. .
A comprehensive evaluation including review of their past and present symptoms, medical history and examination. Medications and psychotherapy is given to adults diagnosed with ADHD. Behaviour management strategies involving minimization of disruption and increase structure and organization and involving family members can be helpful

The Three Types Of ADHD

ADHD, predominantly impulsive/hyperactive: The most least common type of ADHD. Symptoms include: Not being able to sit still, talking too much, always on the go as if driven by a motor, has difficulty waiting for his or her turn, Interrupts conversation

Inattentive Type: Doesn’t pay close attention to details and makes careless mistakes in schools or workplace, does not seem to listen when spoken to (lost in some other thoughts),lacks focus, has problem organizing tasks, avoids and dislikes tasks requiring mental efforts, looses things of daily use

ADHD Combined Type: The most common type of ADHD which is a combination of the above two types.

What Causes ADHD


ADHD is mostly hereditary.However,premature birth and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy can also lead to ADHD developing in the child.

Can ADHD Be Cured?

ADHD has no permanent cure. However,it can be managed through a number of medications and therapies. In many cases medications alone is an effective treatment. However, in other cases therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, anger management and counselling psychology are effective.