The Truth About ADHD

ADHD is a very common neurobiological disorder which affects millions of people worldwide. Although scientists have conducted lots of research into this medical condition, they are still not able to establish what causes it. Hence, there exists plenty of myths which cause confusion among parents with ADHD kids.

For instance, there was a recent story about a 5-year-old boy who went missing for two weeks. Neighbors who found him believed that he might be suffering from ADHD. Now, although he showed symptoms of ADHD, his parents never brought him to see a specialist because they believed that children who were hyperactive and slow in learning would be all right when they reach the age of 7.

Is their belief correct? Will children who show classic signs of having ADHD be all right when they reach the age of 7? Generally, experts view it as only a myth. Another belief that kids aged 2 and 8 would be free of ADHD by the time they are 9 or 10 has also been considered to be myths.

To be able to make informed decisions concerning their children's ADHD treatment, parents should get their facts right. Below are scientific facts concerning ADHD.

* Hyperactivity is a common feature among kids with mental-related problems. Such children seem to be motor-driven, for they are always on the move and have difficulty sitting still. In fact, hyperactivity is a key feature of ADHD, which is one of the most common psychiatric conditions affecting both children and adults today. Individuals who are inflicted with this disorder often experience pronounced behavioral and cognitive difficulties in personal and family relationships. These difficulties can affect their lives in a big way, especially when they start school.

* ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, and most scientists believe it is due to genetic abnormalities in the brain. ADHDers are very inattentive, hyperactive, and very impulsive too (have poor control over their impulse). Get this - ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, or exposing children to too much television when young.

* This disorder is more commonly seen in boys, but it does affect girls too, roughly in the ratio of 3:1.

* ADHD symptoms appear early in a child's life. Studies have shown that out of every 10 people with ADHD, 3 to 5 of them may outgrow it when they become teenagers. As for the rest, the symptoms will remain throughout their life but often in less severe forms.

* Some of the key problems facing people with ADHD are that they have emotional and behavioral difficulties, which makes treatment of their condition difficult at times.

* Treatment for ADHD children is often best done using a multi-pronged approach. This involves a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and counseling for the affected parents so that they can view things in the right perspective.

* ADHD is a serious medical condition and needs to be treated. It will not just go away. Hence, do not listen to people who proclaim that ADHD is merely a conspiracy by giant pharmaceutical firms out to make money from other people's misery.

From the facts above, it is clear that ADHD can be treated, and the wise thing to do for parents who suspect that their kids may have ADHD is to bring them to see experts (such as child psychiatrists) for a proper diagnosis and treatment.