Childhood attention deficit disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder in very young children. It is mainly characterized by inattention, although it can also be accompanied by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Pediatric specialists state that this disorder affects 5% of school-age children. It affects not only the sufferer, but also the family and the environment.
The presence or absence of these three symptoms and the degree to which they are present establishes three clinical subtypes:
- ADHD inattentive subtype: attention deficit predominates.
- ADHD hyperactive and impulsive subtype: hyperactivity and impulsivity predominate.
- ADHD combined subtype: all three symptoms appear equally.
These symptoms must be present before the age of 7 years and for a period longer than 6 months. These symptoms should occur in a variety of everyday situations and places (at home, at school, etc.) and interfere with the child’s social and academic activities.
ADHD can lead to other pathologies; in fact, more than 70% of affected patients suffer from other disorders. Attention deficit interferes with the acquisition of knowledge and, therefore, with academic performance. Hyperactivity and impulsivity compromise the proper compliance with the rules of coexistence.
What are the causes of ADHD?
In more than 70% of cases, ADHD is inherited. Its cause is also related to environmental factors, such as the environmental presence of heavy metals like mercury or iron deficiency in children.
Tobacco consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of suffering from this disease by 2.5 times. It is also related to diseases that produce brain damage during pregnancy, such as prematurity or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Treatment of ADHD
Treatment for ADHD can be pharmacological or non-pharmacological, as both have been shown to be effective, especially when used together.
The non-pharmacological part consists of a psychoeducational treatment that should be carried out with the parents, with the children and also at school. It consists of explaining what the disorder consists of, why it occurs and how they can improve it. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment is carried out with psychostimulants.