Page 16 - Brandon Sun - Healthy Lifestyles

16 THE BRANDON SUN • HEALTH • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

Understanding ADHD: symptoms and treatment

Attention deficit hyper-
activity disorder (ADHD)
affects between six and sev-
en per cent of people aged
18 and younger. Despite its
prevalence, it remains poorly
understood. Here’s what you
should know.

SYMPTOMS
ADHD is a disorder char-
acterized by a vast array of
symptoms. Their type and
intensity vary between pa-
tients, and distinguishing
strong personality traits from
symptoms can be difficult. In
addition, the attention deficit
and hyperactivity-impulsivity
aspects of ADHD are sepa-
rate.

INATTENTION SYMPTOMS
INCLUDE:
• Difficulty paying atten-
tion to details
• Difficulty focusing on
and structuring tasks
• Tendency to forget
things, especially those nec-
essary for completing tasks
(e.g. pencils and notebooks)
• Short attention span
• Easily distracted

HYPERACTIVITY AND
IMPULSIVITY SYMPTOMS
INCLUDE:
• Inability to sit still and
frequent squirming or fidget-
ing
• Getting up at inappro-
priate moments
• Talking more than others ties with social integration Since ADHD persists also higher in people with
• Interrupting conversa- and school performance are into adulthood in 30 to 50 ADHD.
tions or intruding common indicators, they’re per cent of cases, promot- ADHD can have dev-
• Difficulty waiting for not enough to establish a di- ing long-term management astating consequences, and
their turn agnosis. strategies is crucial. early treatment and man-
For ADHD to be a con- Left untreated, ADHD agement is key to helping
cern, a child has to exhibit TREATMENT is associated with poor aca- those affected lead fulfilling
extreme or disruptive ver- A combination of med- demic performance, profes- lives. If you’re concerned
sions of the traits above. In ication and therapy is the sional difficulties and higher about your child, be sure to
addition, boys are much more most common treatment risks for drug use and crimi- speak to a healthcare profes-
likely to show hyperactivi- for ADHD. Given the high nal behaviour. sional.
ty symptoms than girls. Re- variability in types, there’s The incidence of anxiety
member that while difficul- no universal treatment plan. disorders and depression is » Wire Services