Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender. This month, make it a point to educate yourself on signs and symptoms.

ADHD is a very common disorder in children and may continue throughout adolescence and adulthood. Children with ADHD do not just grow out of the common behaviors.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists that a child with ADHD may:

• Daydream a lot
• Forget or lose things a lot
• Squirm or fidget
• Talk too much
• Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
• Have a hard time resisting temptation
• Have trouble taking turns
• Have difficulty getting along with others

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes ADHD, however genetics are believed to play a role in development of the disorder. The CDC states that other possible risk factors include brain injury, environmental exposures, and alcohol and tobacco use.

Determining if a child has ADHD includes several steps, which involves a medical exam along with vision and hearing tests. In most cases, the disorder is treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication.