Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often diagnosed in school-age children. It is characterized by inattentiveness and hyperactivity, as well as impulsivity.
ADHD development is influenced by genetic, social, as well as environmental factors. ADHD is treatable. Most adults and children with the condition can manage their symptoms using appropriate treatment. This may include medication or age-appropriate therapy.
Is ADHD a trait that was born?
Although ADHD is not diagnosed in children at birth, it can be passed to their families. Research studies show that ADHD is a common disorder in families.
ADHD diagnosis can be made as early as 3-4 or later. However, most ADHD cases are detected during elementary school. Because classic ADHD symptoms can’t be diagnosed until later in childhood, this is why most children are diagnosed during elementary school.
Having trouble sitting still or turning your head is common in early childhood. However, these behaviors can become more difficult and visible as children learn self-control skills. Parents, teachers, health professionals, and other adults might notice developmentally unacceptable behaviors and request further evaluation.
How and when does ADHD develop?
According to current science, ADHD is a genetic disorder that increases the likelihood of children developing it. The complex interactions of genes, social situations, and the environment can influence personality and behavior as a child grows. A child with ADHD genetic predisposition may develop it.
Researchers are continuing to study ADHD development to better help parents and clinicians. Several factors are important that don’t cause ADHD:
- Sugar. ADHD is not caused by excessive sugar intake.
- Screens. Screens are not an ADHD diagnostic factor.
- Parenting. Bad parenting does not contribute to ADHD in children.
ADHD is a brain disorder that causes persistent inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Researchers have found that ADHD is linked to many genes. The brain structure of those with ADHD is different from those without it.
What are the main symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD children show persistent patterns of any combination of these three hallmark symptoms.
- Inattention. Avoid tasks that require long attention, easily distracted or forgetful
- Impulsivity. Blurts answers interrupts and is unable to wait or take turns.
- Hyperactivity. Fidgets are always “on the move” and talk a lot.
Symptoms must last at least six months and should not be considered inappropriate for the child’s developmental stage. Behaviors and signs should also be present in at least two environments: school and home.
Different patterns of behavior may look different for each child. ADHD diagnosis may take some time and can often include multiple testing methods. ADHD can be diagnosed by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Public schools must also evaluate children with learning disabilities upon request from parents.
Three types of ADHD
There are three types of ADHD. A clinician will assess the child to determine which type they are.
- Predominantly Inattentive. A diagnosis is made if the child can only be referred based on inattentive measures.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive. The child qualifies for diagnosis based solely on hyperactive-impulsive measures.
- Combined. Both sets of measurements are sufficient to diagnose the child.
Can ADHD go away?
ADHD is a strong genetic condition that will never disappear. Your child will learn to manage ADHD symptoms and behaviors and grow and develop. With the right treatment, ADHD patients and children can succeed at school and work.
The goal of treatment is to help your child manage their symptoms. A combination of the following is a common treatment:
- Medication. You can take many types of ADHD medication to manage your symptoms.
- Individual therapy. Behavioral therapy is appropriate for the developmental stage of your child.
- Family Therapy. Therapy for the whole family, including parenting coaching and teaching.
ADHD symptoms can change over time, but there is no cure. Research suggests that approximately two-thirds (or more) of ADHD children will still have symptoms as adults. As teens get older, hyperactivity tends to decrease. Adults often struggle with ADHD symptoms such as inattentiveness and poor organization skills.
Tips for Parents on ADHD Development
- Ask for help. Ask for help if you are concerned about your child’s behavior. For guidance, talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician.
- Be patient. ADHD treatment takes time. The treatment process will involve trial and error, setbacks, and gains.
- You are not to blame. ADHD children have different brain structures. Your child’s ADHD is not your fault.
- Learn as much as possible. Find support groups, visit trusted websites, and read books.
- Find the positive. ADHD doesn’t have to be all bad. Sometimes it cannot be easy to see positive behavior, but it is there. Positive outlooks can dramatically change the way you see your child’s behavior.
ADHD is a genetic disorder that can be caused by several factors. However, ADHD does not occur in babies. ADHD can develop in children if one parent is affected. Research has shown ADHD development is influenced by genetic, environmental, and social factors.
Talk to your child’s teacher if you have concerns that your child may have ADHD. ADHD management is very easy with current treatments. There are many resources available that can help you design the best plan for your How does ADHD develop?.
