Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Do you know about ADHD? Tips to ease its symptoms
Symptoms and Causes
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that involves various issues such as impulsive behavior, difficulty paying attention, or excessive activity. Although it is often diagnosed in childhood, it can also present in adults and may lead to behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, or academic failure.
There are different types of ADHD depending on the predominant symptoms:
- Predominantly inattentive ADHD: causes difficulties in maintaining attention or noticing details, so patients often make careless mistakes.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: leads to excessive activity and trouble staying still, so these individuals tend to talk excessively and move constantly.
- Combined ADHD: this is the most common type and is characterized by a combination of traits from the two types mentioned above: impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.
Symptoms
The main characteristics of ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Additionally, children and adults with this disorder often display other clear symptoms such as:
- Low self-esteem caused by negative feedback from family members or teachers.
- Comorbid conditions associated with the disorder, such as conduct disorders (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder) or language disorders.
- Restlessness or inability to remain still for extended periods.
- Poor concentration.
- Low tolerance for frustration, as well as a tendency toward irritability and loss of control.
- Mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions.
Causes
Not all causes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been identified. However, the main contributing factors to its development are known:
- Genetic causes: ADHD is linked to abnormalities in several genes, including those involved in the transmission of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help regulate attention and impulse control.
- Environmental causes: certain circumstances, such as lack of oxygen during birth, maternal smoking during pregnancy, or prolonged lead exposure during childhood, are believed to increase the likelihood of developing ADHD.
Risk Factors
Risk factors that may increase the chances of developing ADHD fall into three main categories:
- Genetic factors: ADHD is hereditary, so a family history of the disorder increases the likelihood of being affected.
- Environmental factors: these are primarily related to the mother’s health and habits during pregnancy, such as alcohol or drug use, obesity, hyperthyroidism, or stress. Other factors include prematurity, low birth weight, exposure to toxins during childhood, or severe head trauma.
- Social factors: family conflicts or psychological and physical abuse may also play a role.
Complications
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of academic failure or developing antisocial behavior. Over time, they may also experience mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse.
Prevention
ADHD has a strong genetic component and therefore cannot be completely prevented. However, some environmental risk factors can be monitored to reduce their influence. For example:
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drug use during pregnancy.
- Reduce maternal stress during pregnancy.
- Avoid exposing children to environmental pollutants.
- Provide a positive home environment and respectful parenting.
- Limit screen time in early childhood.
- Encourage outdoor activities.
- Engage in games that help alleviate symptoms: building activities, slow-motion tasks, word chains, or puzzles.
Which Specialist Treats ADHD?
Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists—including those specializing in adult mental health as well as child and adolescent psychiatry—are the professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD requires a combination of tests, as no single test is conclusive. It usually begins with physical exams and general health evaluations to rule out other conditions. Among the psychological tests used for diagnosis, the following stand out:
- Scale for the Evaluation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (EDAH): a questionnaire completed by the child’s teacher that assesses the frequency of specific behaviors. The responses generate a score that indicates the degree to which the disorder is present.
- Faces test: an attention test that evaluates the ability to perceive differences and patterns.
- Magallanes Visual Attention Scale (EMAV): used to assess focus, maintenance, and stability of attention.
Treatment
ADHD treatment may include medications or rely solely on psychological therapies, depending on the individual patient and the severity of the disorder.
- Pharmacological treatments: these are typically the most effective in reducing symptoms and helping children adapt socially. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are commonly used to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.
- Non-pharmacological treatments: involve individual psychotherapy and family therapy, as well as parental education. This allows everyone involved to develop tools for managing specific situations and reducing inappropriate behavior.
