Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common problem among young children. They cannot sit still, are always running around, and cannot calm down to read storybooks or eat, which always gives parents a headache. Some new parents may think that these behaviors in their children are just naughty and mischievous, but in fact ADHD is a sign of brain disease. Today our doctors will teach you how to identify ADHD and how to overcome it with your children. ADHD.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), commonly known as hyperactivity, often occurs in children and adolescents. It is a neurodevelopmental delay disease related to disorders of brain function. There is currently no clear cause, but according to research, ADHD may be related to the following two reasons:

1. Congenital inheritance
   
2. Pregnant women smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Most people with ADHD have an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. For example, the secretion of dopamine, which is responsible for sending messages, is lower than that of ordinary people. The prefrontal lobe, basal ganglia, and cerebellum are all smaller than ordinary people, and the activity of the prefrontal lobe is also lower. Being inactive will also affect the patient’s impulsive behavior and concentration.

Inattention means hyperactivity? ADHD symptoms and characteristics

Many people mistakenly believe that a child has ADHD as long as he moves around. However, ADHD still needs to be judged through the following three characteristics:

1. Inattention:
   More likely than children of the same age to be absent-minded, often lose things, and lack organizational skills.
   
2. High activity level and restlessness:
   unable to line up well, unable to sit quietly for long periods of time, always moving around.
   
3. Impulsive behavior:
   taking actions without thinking, often hurting others, often interrupting other people’s activities, and interrupting.

Other diagnostic criteria for ADHD

However, ADHD is not only judged by the above symptoms, but also based on the standards of the DSM-V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to further confirm whether the child has ADHD:

1. Onset before age 12
   
2. At least 2 symptoms occur and last for more than 6 months
   
3. Occurs in more than 2 places
   
4. Significant impairment of social, academic, and occupational functioning
   
5. Not caused by other mental illness

Only after meeting these points and going to the hospital for examination can one be diagnosed with ADHD. Therefore, I also appeal to all parents, don’t worry about ADHD when you see your children acting naughty. You need to refer to the above guidelines and seek diagnosis from a doctor. Don’t scare yourself.

ADHD assessment form

If you are very worried that your child has ADHD, you can fill in the following Chinese version of the SWAN online scale for a preliminary assessment; the SWAN scale is a commonly used tool for assessing ADHD internationally, but sometimes even if the test scores are on the high side, It still does not mean that the child has ADHD. In fact, it still needs to be observed, diagnosed and repeatedly tested by a doctor to determine.

Is the IQ of children with ADHD different from that of ordinary people?

Children with ADHD have the same IQ as ordinary people and can also be assigned to regular classes. However, their academic performance is not outstanding because they are unable to concentrate for long periods of time and are restless. Special learning treatments must be used to treat ADHD. Children with autism spectrum disorder are willing to learn and build confidence.

How to treat hyperactive children? ADHD treatments

So are there treatments for ADHD? The answer is yes, children with ADHD can be treated through the following methods:

1. Medication:
   It can improve children’s inattention and excessive activity, and must be taken for a long time. While taking the drug, you can combine it with other treatments to achieve better results.
   
2. Behavior management:
   Children with ADHD have limited understanding and concentration, and it is difficult to be effective with constant reminders. Therefore, it is necessary to let children know the consequences of experienced behaviors, so that children will know which behaviors can be done and which cannot be done.
   
3. Cognitive behavioral therapy:
   Suitable for children and adolescents over 8 years old. It mainly deals with the child’s way of thinking. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach patients self-control and management skills, and deal with negative emotions and thoughts.
   
4. Parenting training:
   Parent training is also a very important part of the treatment process. Parents need to understand what a hyperactive child is, teach parents how to use cognition and behavior to manage their children, and accept the fact that there are hyperactive children in the family.
   

How do parents support their hyperactive children with ADHD?

Children with ADHD are often isolated from their peers at school due to poor learning status and restless behavior. They will have low self-confidence and feel lonely. In addition to school teachers being concerned, parents’ behavior is also important:

1. Give conditional love:
   You should always tell yourself that you love your children. You don’t need to say it only after good performance. Let love fill the child’s living environment.
   
2. Give affirmation and encouragement:
   If a child with ADHD makes small progress in life, parents should not hesitate to give praise and encouragement so that the child can feel confident.
   
3. Help children find their strengths:
   Encourage children to find out what makes them unique. Everyone has characteristics worth admiring, allowing them to find value and rebuild their self-confidence.

Parents with children with ADHD will be under heavy physical and mental pressure. Because they have to take care of their children all the time, they often ignore their own life needs and mental health. Therefore, in addition to taking care of their children, parents should also not forget to take good care of themselves so that they can be strong for their children. backing.