Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

Attention Deficit Disorder in Children Cause

The cause of Attention Deficit Disorder in children is currently unknown. It's speculated that some subtle brain damage may be responsible occuring in the womb or shortly after birth, or dietary intolerance, or an unknown viral infection affecting the brain.

Attention deficit disorder in children is one of short attention span, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity that starts before age 7. Attention deficit disorder is more common in boys, especially first born boys. Remission or symptom reduction may happen around 12 years old with overactivity being the first to go followed by distractibility.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

• Hyperactive
• Emotional outbursts
• Short attention span
• Unable to finish things
• Does not listen when spoken to
• Does not follow instructions
• Dislikes tasks that require concentration
• Careless mistakes in school work
• Loses things
• Easily distracted
• Forgetfulness
• Fidgets with hands or feet while seated
• Runs about or climbs excessively as if "driven by a motor"
• Talking excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions are finished
• Butts into conversations or games
• Poor school performance and learning problems

Attention Deficit Disorder in Children Treatment

Our best treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder in Children so far has been through medication.

Oddly enough, it's stimulants that calm children with attention deficit disorder such as: dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and methylphenidate (Ritalin). These meds can cause some growth slowing so are sometimes withheld during holiday periods to allow for catch up growth. Addiction is low risk but something to consider.

Psychotherapy is the next arm of treatment but typically less rewarding. Both for parents in counselling and for the child through behaviour modification via a system of reward and punishment. Allowing children free reign makes things worse. Discipline and structure helps.

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