What do you know about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? The disease, considered a children’s condition, affects both children and adults of all ages. It develops during childhood and lasts into adulthood. It involves having difficulty concentrating and hasty behaviors such as careless mistakes, forgetting things, and talking too much. If your child has ADHD in San Jose, a pediatric neurologist at South Valley Neurology can help you manage the condition. Contact the San Jose office today to learn more about diagnosis and treatments.
What is ADHD?
It is a neurological condition that affects certain brain parts responsible for controlling different brain functions. According to diagnostic images, it affects the areas controlling self-control and organization, and attention.
Though mostly discovered during childhood, ADHD also continues into adulthood. The condition may also emerge at a younger age and be discovered during adulthood. ADHD may also start when you are already an adult.
What causes ADHD?
There are no known causes or risk factors of ADHD. But according to research, it’s evident that genetic factors play a significant role in ADHD occurrence. Other possible causes and risk factors thought to cause ADHD include other than genetics.
- Premature delivery
- Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
- Brain injury
- Low birth weight
- Environmental risks exposure during pregnancy or when young
ADHD symptoms
The three primary functions of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. When the condition occurs in adulthood, you are likely to develop the following behaviors.
- Feelings of restlessness and difficulty relaxing
- Frequently losing things
- Constantly active and energized
- Starting projects but never finishing them
- Disorganization
- Feeling like you can’t turn off your brain
- Often late to appointments or missing deadlines
ADHD and ADD are the same, only that people with ADD have inattentiveness symptoms and are not hyperactive or impulsive like ADHD victims.
How do ADHD symptoms differ in adults and children?
According to research studies conducted earlier, ADHD symptoms are the same in children and adults. However, with recent studies, ADHD symptoms in adults seem to differ from those in children.
ADHD affects executive function in adults, causing symptoms such as trouble controlling emotions. They also develop low working memory, making it hard to follow instructions or stay on an action plan.
ADHD Diagnosis
There is no diagnostic test for ADHD; however, the diagnosis involves some steps. The steps involve a medical exam such as vision and hearing tests to distinguish ADHD from other problems. Checking for ADHD symptoms is also part of the diagnosis, including reviewing the child’s behavior history from teachers, parents, and even the child.
Treatments for ADHD
The team at South Valley Neurology combines behavior therapy and medication to offer the most practical treatment. Behavior therapy is a viable treatment for children aged 4 to 5 years. The child and family mainly determine the success of the treatment.
Your provider may also recommend medications such as stimulants that help improve attention. They also educate you on managing your symptoms to enhance your daily living.
Treatment plans such as follow-ups, close monitoring, and adjusting some changes during the process are also necessary.
If your child has trouble paying attention or showing other symptoms of ADHD, contact South Valley Neurology to schedule your consultation.
