WHAT IS AD/HD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children, affecting an estimated 3 to 5 percent of the population aged 0 to 14 years in the Philippines. Persons with AD/HD suffer from a condition characterized by age-inappropriate hyperactivity, impulsivity, or poor attention span. Symptoms often are severe enough to cause impairments in academic and social functioning. In many cases, this leads to self-esteem, very poor academic performance and serious behavioural problems. Many children with the disorder will continue to have symptoms in adulthood, although the hyperactivity tends to decrease with age. AD/HD affects not only the patient, but also those involved in the patient’s life.
WHAT CAUSES AD/HD?
The cause of AD/HD is still unknown. However, majority of the researchers suggest neurological basis. Children with AD/HD have problems with chemicals that send messages to the brain. A lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level may be associated with AD/HD. Researches also show that AD/HD is hereditary, thus, it tends to run in families. Relatives of children with AD/HD, both male and female, are more likely to have the disorder than the general population.
DO YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS AD/HD?
If your child has six (6) or more symptoms given below, you might want to visit a doctor. Remember: The earlier you get a diagnosis, the more time you’ll get to manage it
INATTENTION
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty sustaining attention
- Does not appear to listen
- Struggles to follow throughon instructions
- Has difficulty with organization
- Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Is easily distracted
- Is forgetful in daily activities
HYPERACTIVITY
- Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in chair
- Has difficulty remaining seated
- Runs about or climbs excessively
- Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
- Acts as if driven by a motor
- Talks excessively
IMPULSIVITY
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns
- Interrupts or intrudes upon others
