If you’ve ever wondered what the full name of ADHD is, you’re not alone. ADHD affects millions of people worldwide, making it one of the most common childhood conditions. The symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity and inattention, as well as learning and motor skills problems. Adults with ADHD may experience problems with time management and deadlines. They may avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, and they often lose personal and necessary items. They may also become distracted by a variety of extraneous stimuli, such as television shows, movies, books, and other forms of media.
ADHD is typically diagnosed by primary care providers and mental health professionals. Psychiatrists will gather information from parents, teachers, and caregivers about the symptoms. They may also perform a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions. The full form of ADHD will depend on the severity of the symptoms. A doctor may also recommend medication or a combination of both. In many cases, the diagnosis of ADHD is not a simple one.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the parent or caregiver must accept the challenges of dealing with ADHD. Sometimes the symptoms change over time, so an adult with ADHD may need reevaluation. Nevertheless, treatment is geared toward managing symptoms and promoting appropriate behaviors. Behavior therapy can help replace inappropriate behaviors with constructive ones and express feelings in healthy ways. Behavior management training is another treatment option that can help parents manage the behavior of children with ADHD. The goal of behavior management training is to teach parents how to help their child cope with ADHD. It is also beneficial to teach children with ADHD how to manage their own behavior and learn new coping mechanisms.
While the exact causes of ADHD remain unknown, growing research indicates that genes are a big factor. Certain genes have been linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine. The symptoms of ADHD typically begin between the ages of three and six. It’s estimated that approximately nine percent of children in the United States have ADHD. There is no known cure for ADHD, so the full form is often determined only through an assessment of symptoms and a complete medical history.
A medical professional must follow strict guidelines to diagnose ADHD. To diagnose a child with ADHD, the child must exhibit six of nine symptoms from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for at least six months. It’s important to note that these symptoms must be present in several settings and interfere with the child’s daily life. Further, the symptoms must not be better explained by another mental disorder.
ADHD is an attention-deficit disorder that affects almost every aspect of a child’s life. Its symptoms manifest themselves in many ways, including academics, social life, and home life. An estimated 11 percent of school-age children suffer from the disorder, with the symptoms persisting for three quarters of the time. Inattention and hyperactivity are considered impulsive behaviors, and it can affect a child’s ability to function in the real world.
