Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Is your child restless?
|
The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are difficult to diagnose
|
PHOTO: M. KARUNAKARAN
STARTING EARLY If untreated, ADHD can continue into adulthood too
Is your child perpetually inattentive, hyperactive and over-impulsive? Does he find it difficult to complete tasks or learn something new? Does he dash around endlessly or talk incessantly? Does he blurt out inappropriate, irrelevant comments, and keep repeating them? Does he constantly disturb the class or have his grades dropped drastically?
Watch out, it may not be insolence, bad behaviour or laziness. He may be suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a mental condition that affects 5 per cent of school children. Curiously, ADHD seems to be more common in boys than in girls. Children, teenagers and even adults with ADHD may exhibit one or all of these symptoms. Experts now believe that ADHD has a genetic origin, and that parenting and discipline styles do not cause it as was commonly perceived earlier.
The tricky facet of ADHD is that its symptoms are confusing and difficult to diagnose, as they border on behaviour exhibited by `normal' persons at different points of time. Luckily, evaluation by qualified physicians can confirm the presence or absence of this disorder.
Don't dismiss ADHD as a minor issue. If left untreated, it can negatively impact the child not just in academics, but also play havoc on his emotions and behaviour. "Consequent to these behavioural anomalies, these children tend to develop poor self-esteem. ADHD may also cause emotional and social problems, and the child's academic performance may get severely impaired, if untreated," says Shanthi Raj, paediatrician.
"As for academics, these children have a short attention span and will not be able to understand elaborate concepts. They drop down in grades from about the first standard onwards, when elaborate concepts begin to be taught," points out S. Yamuna, paediatrician and adolescent physician, adding, "the attention problem makes it very difficult for the caretaker too, and they tend to lose their temper. On the other hand, these children get frustrated that they perform badly at school and other places and consequently become aggressive."
If untreated, ADHD can continue into adulthood too. Tragically, adults who remain undiagnosed are often mistakenly judged by society to be just lazy and stupid, rather than recognised as victims of a disorder. "The cases of ADHD reported at hospitals form only the tip of the iceberg. Awareness is low," says Dr. Raj.
Most cases don't get the treatment they need, scarring them for life. The good news is ADHD is treatable, and if treated right, these children can be successful in life. The other reassuring fact is ADHD does not affect intellectual ability. "Children with ADHD may have a high IQ, but are hampered by behavioural bottlenecks," informs Dr. S. Yamuna.
Dr. Raj recommends that parents be open about their child's condition. "Parents sometimes feel embarrassed about their child's ADHD problem and hide the issue from family and friends. However, discussing the condition with relatives can prepare them and avoid embarrassments."
Meditation, massage and specific yogasanas are said to provide relief, while exercise, rest and proper nutrition can go a long way in managing ADHD.
HEMA VIJAY
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
