Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a biological condition which makes the child hard to sit still and concentrate on the given task. The child might be so restless that he can be recognized easily.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is another condition that makes it hard for many children to pay proper attention during a task. They are inattentive but they are not hyperactive or impulsive. They are mostly shy in nature.
Please note-ADD and ADHD is not same. At the same time, Autism is also different from ADHD / ADD. Children with autism can have ADHD / ADD as an associated disorder
ADHD is subdivided into three types

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
• Predominantly inattentive type
• Combined type

The prevalence (incidence) of ADHD / ADD is 2%-17% worldwide in the age group 4 yrs to 17 yrs.

Signs / Symptoms of ADHD
If a child has any combinations of the following symptoms / signs, for past six months it may be ADHD.

Signs and symptoms related to Inattention

• The child forgets things, mostly confused and appears to not be listening
• The child finds it hard to concentrate and jumps quickly from one activity to another
• The child gets easily bored with an activity unless it’s very enjoyable
• The child struggles to get organized and finish tasks in time
• The child has difficulty learning new things and following directions
• The child is smart but he doesn’t understand or “get” things you expect

Signs and symptoms related to Impulsivity

• The child is impatient and has trouble waiting for a turn
• The child interrupts people and bursts out inappropriately
• The child shows overreaction to feelings and emotional situations
• The child doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions

Signs and Symptoms related to Hyperactivity

• He talks almost constantly
• He moves nonstop even when sitting down
• He moves from place to place quickly and frequently
• He fidgets and has to pick up everything and play with it
• He has trouble sitting still for meals and other quiet activities

Skills / Activities mostly affected due to ADHD
If a child has ADHD, he might be getting problems with

• Social skills
• Self-control
• Organization, planning and learning
• Understanding directions
• Thinking things through
• Paying attention to new information
• Applying knowledge from one area to a different one
• Staying focused without getting bored
• Academics

 
Causes of ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. But we know it’s a brain-based biological condition. The possible causes of ADHD include:

• Faulty genes and heredity
• Differences in the brain
• Environmental factors
• Brain injury

Diagnosis Making
There’s no specific medical test that can confirm that a child has ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed through observations and assessments, using the DSM5. A few medical tests are done to rule out other similar medical conditions and associated problems

Associated Conditions with ADHD
Children with ADHD often have other associated conditions as well. Such as

• Behavior disorders
• Emotional regulation issues
• Learning disabilities
• Auditory processing disorder
• Social (pragmatic) communication disorder
• Oral-Motor tic disorders

All of the above conditions are treated successfully with proper medications and habilitation therapies

Management and Treatment of ADHD
When we treat / manage ADHD, we manage the associated problems first to get optimal results from the combination treatments. Sometimes ADHD is treated with medicines only, but a combination of medications and habilitation therapy is often best.

Role of Medication
Lot of medicines is available for the treatment of ADHD. A few of these are
Methylphenidate, Dexamfetamine, Lisdexamfetamine, Atomoxetine, Guanfacine
Although, these medicines aren't a permanent cure for ADHD, but they may help to concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, learn and practice new skills.

Role of Habilitation Therapies
Along with medications, different therapies can be useful in treating ADHD in children.
There is a long list of therapies available. Some of these are:

• Behavior therapy
• Social skills training
• Occupational therapy / Sensory Integration therapy
• Parent training and education program
• Psychotherapy / Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Nutritional Therapy / Diet Supplements
• Neurofeedback therapy

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our partner organization have treated a few cases of ADHD with HBOT and observed good response. Internationally lot of organizations is treating children with ADHD with HBOT as HBOT helps to reduce hyperactivity and increase concentration

Role of Stem Cell Therapy
Along with medication, habilitation therapies stem cell therapy showing remarkable improvements in children with ADHD. ICD’s multimodal approach helps children to get optimal result along with SCT.

Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicines

1. Homeopathy: It has numerous medicines which not helps ADHD but cures when it is used as primary medicines in n\mild to moderate ADHD afflicted young children
2. Ayurveda: Ayurvedic medicines improve features related to emotional, behavioral, psychological and physical disturbances.
3. Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been widely used to lessen the severity of the core symptoms in patients with ADHD 
4. Our multimode treatment project have included Yoga, Unani, Hydrotherapy, Hippo therapy and Acupressure as need based treatment for children with ADHD

 
Prognosis and employment opportunities for children with ADHD
Mostly person with ADHD can lead a productive and successful life. They are always managed with medications and structured therapies. A few of them can have residual problem lifelong which can mask his / her potentials to get job and employment opportunities.

If you want to know which treatment or therapies is best suited for your child / ward, please contact us and get free technical support

Mail ID: helpicd@gmail.com, Whatsapp No: +91-7838809241, Voice Call No: +91-11-41012124