Understanding The Origins: ADHD In Children
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder that affects millions of people. Many adults and children with ADHD experience symptoms like impulsiveness, difficulty paying attention, trouble focusing, and hyperactivity.
Understanding the different ways the disorder can develop and present itself can help you and your children receive the treatment and support you need to succeed.
An overview of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty sustaining attention, and hyperactivity. ADHD affects an individual’s executive function—the assortment of processes that help us engage in healthy behaviors. This can cause people with ADHD to become easily distracted and make it hard for them to stay organized, complete tasks, and remember important information. The disorder typically develops in childhood and, in many cases, persists into adulthood. Throughout an individual’s life, ADHD can significantly impact their emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, and productivity.
ADHD causes in children
It is important to understand that ADHD is not caused by one specific factor, and the “root” causes of its development are not fully understood. Risk factors can increase the chances of ADHD development and may include genetics, environmental factors, birth conditions, and lifestyle.
Some research shows that brain development patterns may play a role in developing ADHD because of how neurotransmitters interact compared to a neurotypical brain. It is thought that brain activity is decreased in the regions of the brain that control attention in individuals with ADHD. While research is still being done to determine the most likely factors in developing ADHD, risk factors like brain anatomy, genetics, and environmental contributors are currently considered the most likely indicators.
Potential ADHD risk factors
Risk factors are not definitive causes for a disorder but factors that potentially increase the chances of an individual developing a specific disorder. In the case of ADHD, research has identified multiple potential risk factors that may contribute to its development.
Family history of mental disorders
Genetics may be one of the most prominent risk factors for the development of ADHD. Time notes that, according to certain studies, research suggests that having a parent with ADHD can increase your likelihood of developing the disorder to about 50%. Additionally, they note that siblings are between five and seven times more likely to have the condition. According to this study, the chance of developing ADHD due to a genetic factor is around 80%, similar in terms of genetic control to how your height is determined. Though genetic factors are not exclusively the cause of ADHD, the genetic component may be worth examining if other family constituents have ADHD.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors can include exposure to environmental toxins, nutritional issues, chronic stress, lack of exercise, or sleep issues. There is some debate about the extent to which certain environmental risks contribute to ADHD. For example, according to the CDC, there is insufficient evidence that too much sugar can cause ADHD. While these factors may not correlate directly to an ADHD diagnosis, some studies show a possible connection.
Low birth weight
Some studies have shown that children born at a low birth weight or were born prematurely could be at a higher risk of developing ADHD. While the exact reason is unknown, some research hypothesizes that brain development could be affected and increase the risk of ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in children
ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children, when symptoms start to become noticeable. Common symptoms like trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior can make certain tasks difficult. For school-aged children, these symptoms may interfere with school functioning, potentially causing issues focusing on work, following instructions, or staying on task. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a child with ADHD may have trouble playing quietly, staying seated, and “waiting for his or her turn”. These behaviors may lead to parents seeking a professional opinion and potential ADHD diagnosis.
Adult ADHD symptoms
Like children with the disorder, adults living with ADHD can struggle to focus, organize their space, and manage their time. Many hyperactive symptoms of ADHD can persist into adulthood, including extreme restlessness and a seeming need to be in constant motion. Additionally, adults with ADHD may take unnecessary risks, such as experiment with recreational drugs. There is also thought to be a link between ADHD and increased alcohol use.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is relatively similar to diagnosing ADHD in children. Forbes Health notes that ADHD is diagnosed in adults using the APA DSM-V guidelines and typically involves the use of symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and a detailed analysis of the patient’s medical and social history. Other approaches to diagnosis may include problem-solving tasks, cognitive skill measurement, behavior questionnaires, and evaluations. These are all tools to gain a deeper understanding of the symptoms and how they affect the individual.
Possible treatment options
There are many potential treatment options available for individuals with ADHD. Just as there is not a single specific factor that causes ADHD to develop, there is no single specific cure that will work for everyone. These are just a few possible treatment options for ADHD:
- Medication -Some individuals with ADHD may benefit from medication to manage their symptoms. Medication should always be discussed with a medical professional.
- Lifestyle Changes - Improved nutrition and sleep habits could be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise could also help some individuals.
- Therapy – For children, behavior therapy can be helpful for learning coping skills and strategies to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD. For adults or older children, other modalities may be utilized, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition to providing emotional support, a therapist can help an individual explore their specific symptoms.
Many others find success through a combination of the three or find other treatment options that work for them. Speaking to a medical or mental health professional is a great step to discussing potential ADHD treatment options and developing a plan. For more information on managing symptoms of ADHD, visit the website of the National Resource Center on ADHD.
Online therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Online therapy has become an increasingly popular option for many individuals with ADHD. One significant advantage of online therapy compared to a traditional therapy setting is the flexible scheduling options. Online therapy can be scheduled outside standard office hours, making working into a busy schedule simpler. For individuals curious about the complexities and origins of ADHD, online therapy can also provide a judgment-free zone to discuss symptoms, concerns, and potential treatment plans.
One study tested the effectiveness of a telehealth service delivery model for the treatment of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and found that children who used telehealth were able to improve more significantly than those who did not use it when treated for ADHD, ODD, and various other conditions.
Takeaway
ADHD is a complex disorder that likely develops through a combination of risk factors and origins. Genetics and environmental factors seem to play a significant role in developing ADHD, but there may also be other risk factors that have not been identified yet. ADHD can present differently in children and adults, but it is unlikely that an adult develops it without childhood symptoms. Understanding the origins and risk factors of ADHD are important when seeking treatment and support. Treatments like mindfulness techniques, medication, or speaking to a professional may all be effective options for those who are learning more about ADHD and understanding its symptoms.
What are healthy coping strategies for people living with an attention disorder?
The following are some coping strategies for individuals living with an attention disorder:
- Declutter your space and spend time organizing each week.
- Write down your accomplishments using a journal.
- Use a sensory or fidget toy when you feel the need to move.
- Use a timer to stay on task and allow yourself to take breaks between periods of focus.
- Implement 5-minute mindfulness meditation sessions into your schedule.
How do you teach coping skills to a child with an attention disorder?
Before you teach coping skills to a child with ADHD, it may help to receive behavioral training from a licensed therapist. This can often help parents of young kids with an attention disorder teach them how to control their emotions and make better decisions.
Kids living with this disorder may benefit from skills that help them remain calm, such as box breathing or guided visualization. You might consider guiding them in these and other exercises in a calm, safe place where they don’t feel pressure from others.
How do you manage behavior in children with attention disorders?
For behavioral challenges with kids living with an attention disorder, you may find it helpful to focus on discipline rather than punishment. Discipline tends to focus on teaching rather than on enforcing negative consequences. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and punishment may make a child feel ashamed for an emotional response that wasn’t entirely under their control. By teaching a child strategies to control emotions, you may be able to help them manage behavior in a way that leads to better outcomes.
How do you help a child with ADHD with impulse control in the classroom?
Behavioral classroom management is one strategy that may help kids in the classroom. Taught by teachers who have been trained in these techniques, behavioral classroom management tends to reward positive behaviors and discourage unhelpful behaviors. Parents may also be able to help their children by participating in behavior therapy, which typically trains parents of young children to reinforce positive behaviors.
How do you help people with ADHD overcome their impulsivity?
Some people with this disorder may see improvement in their impulsive behaviors with medication and therapy, such as CBT. It may help to guide them in an exercise of fast-forwarding to imagine the consequences of their behaviors. Children living with an attention disorder may benefit from behavioral interventions that reinforce positive behaviors and reduce undesirable behaviors.
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