Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that is typically characterized by the following symptoms:

Inattention;
- distractibility;
- impulsiveness;
- hyperactivity.

Kinds

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is divided into three subtypes:

Predominantly hyperactive or impulsive type. Behavior is marked by hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattention;
- mostly inattentive type. Behavior is marked by inattention, but not hyperactivity and impulsivity;
- combined type. A combination of symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity - with symptoms of inattention. This is the most common type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

in children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is sometimes described as a decline in brain function. It refers to the cognitive abilities needed to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Deficiencies in executive function can cause the following problems:

Inability to store information in short-term memory;
- violation of organization and planning skills;
- difficulties in establishing and using behavioral guidelines - such as choosing a strategy and monitoring tasks;
- overwhelming inability to cope with emotions;
- inability to effectively move from one mental activity to another.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

- Hyperactivity. The term "hyperactive" is often misleading because to some it suggests that the child is in constant, non-stop motion. However, boys with ADHD may have the same level of activity when playing a game, for example, as children without the syndrome. But when a child receives increased attention, his brain increases motor activity. In a busy environment - a classroom or a crowded store - children with ADHD are often distracted and overreact. They can take goods from shelves without asking their parents, beat people - in a word, everything gets out of control for them, resulting in unstable and strange behavior.

- Impulsiveness and hysteria. Tantrums, which are normal in young children, tend to be exaggerated in children with ADHD and are not necessarily related to a specific negative event.

- Attention and concentration. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to become distracted and inattentive to their environment (such as a large classroom). In addition, they are inattentive when the atmosphere is calm or boring. Instead, they may have a kind of “superfocus” when engaged in highly stimulating activities (such as video games or very specific interests). Such children can even become overly attentive - they are so absorbed in an activity that interests them that they are completely unable to change the direction of their attention.

- Impaired short-term memory. An important feature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including in learning, is impairment of working (or short-term) memory. People with ADHD cannot hold groups of sentences and images in their minds long enough to extract clear, coherent thoughts. They are not necessarily inattentive. A person with ADHD may be unable to remember a complete explanation (such as a homework assignment) or be unable to complete processes that require sequential memorization (such as a model of a building). Children with ADHD are often attracted to activities (TV, computer games, vigorous individual sports) that do not overload working memory or produce distractions. Children with ADHD do not differ from other children in long-term memory.

- Inability to manage time. Children with ADHD may have difficulty being everywhere on time and managing time to complete certain tasks (which may overlap with short-term memory problems).

- Lack of ability to adapt. Children with ADHD often have great difficulty adapting to even minor changes in routines such as getting up in the morning, putting on shoes, eating new foods, or changing their sleep patterns. Any situation where anything changes can cause them to have a strong and noisy negative reaction. Even when they are in a good mood, they may suddenly become hysterical if they encounter an unexpected change or disappointment. These children can focus their attention directly on cues in a specific location, but have difficulty shifting their attention to anything else.

- Increased sensitivity and sleep problems. Children with ADHD are often hypersensitive to objects, sounds, and touch. They may complain of excessive stimuli that seem minor or mild to others. Many children with ADHD often have trouble sleeping during the night.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that begins in childhood. Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a continuation of the symptoms of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

- Mental disorders. About 20% of adults with ADHD also have major depression or bipolar disorder. Up to 50% have anxiety disorders. Bipolar disorders can be very difficult to distinguish from ADHD, not only in adults, but also in children.

- Disorders accompanying learning. About 20% of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have a learning disorder. These are usually dyslexia and auditory processing problems.

- Impact on work. Compared to adults without ADHD, those with ADHD tend to have lower levels of education, earn less money, and, as a result, are more likely to be fired.

- Substance abuse. About 1 in 5 adults with ADHD also struggle with substance abuse. Research shows that teens with ADHD are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes than their peers who do not have ADHD. Smoking during adolescence is a risk factor for the development of substance abuse in adulthood.

Causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

- Brain structure. Studies using modern imaging techniques show differences in the size of certain parts of the brain in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder compared to children without ADHD. Areas with changes include: prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and cerebellum;

- Brain chemicals. Increased activity of certain brain chemicals in the prefrontal cortex may contribute to ADHD. The chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine are of particular interest. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) that influence mental and emotional functioning. They also play a role in reward response. This reaction occurs when a person experiences pleasure in response to certain stimuli (such as food or love). Research shows that increased levels of the brain chemicals glutamate, glutamine and GABA - interact with dopamine and norepinephrine;

- Genetic factors. Genetic factors likely play an important role in ADHD. Families of children with ADHD (boys and girls) have a much higher percentage of ADHD, as well as antisocial anxiety and substance abuse disorders, than families without children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some twin studies suggest that up to 90% of children diagnosed with ADHD share it with their twin. Most research is being done on the underlying genetic mechanisms of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Changes in genes that regulate specific dopamine receptors have been found in a large number of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Risk factors attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

- Floor . ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. Boys are more likely to have combined ADHD. Girls are more likely to have a predominantly inattentive type;

- Family history. A child who has a parent or sibling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has an increased risk of also getting ADHD;

- Environmental factors. Some studies show that maternal alcohol consumption, drug abuse and smoking during pregnancy can lead to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the child. Low birth weight may be associated with ADHD. Environmental exposure to lead before age 6 may also increase the risk of ADHD;

- Nutrition factors. Several dietary factors have been studied in relation to ADHD, including sensitivity to certain dietary chemicals, deficiencies in fatty acids (compounds from fats and oils) and zinc, and sensitivity to sugar. However, no clear evidence has emerged that any of these dietary factors imply risk factors for the development of ADHD.

Diagnostics attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. The doctor does a physical examination of the child to make sure that an underlying medical condition is not causing ADHD symptoms. However, the diagnosis of ADHD is based primarily on the child's observations and questionnaire, as well as the behavior patterns of the ACT (Activity and Optimism Scale). The pediatrician may refer a child with SAD to a psychiatric hospital, where doctors have experience working with childhood disorders such as ADHD.

- History of behavior. The doctor will ask questions for a detailed history of the child and will identify the severity of his behavior. Parents should describe specific problems encountered with the child, developmental ADHD, family history of ADHD, and any recent changes in family life that may have affected the child. The doctor will find out everything important about the child, about all the details of his life outside the home: written reports from teachers, school psychologists, guardians or others related to the child, etc.

- Medical examination. The physical examination should include a hearing test to rule out any hearing problems in the child. The doctor should ask about a history of medical problems, including allergies, sleep disturbances, poor vision, and chronic ear infections.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, at least six of the following symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months (9 months in preschool children).
Symptoms of inattention (at least six of them should be present):

The child is often unable to pay close attention to detail or makes careless mistakes;
- often has difficulty maintaining attention in tasks or games;
- often does not seem to listen when people speak directly to him;
- often does not complete tasks or assignments;
- has difficulty organizing tasks and activities;
- avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort;
- often loses things necessary for tasks or activities;
- often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli;
- often forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (at least six of these must be present):

Often fidgets or squirms while sitting;
- has difficulty sitting when required;
- frequently works or frequently rises in inappropriate situations;
- cannot play calmly;
- often on the move;
- often talks too much;
- often blurts out answers to questions before they have been asked completely;
- has difficulty waiting for his turn;
- often interrupts others.

Based on these symptoms, a child may be diagnosed with a predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, or a combined type of ADHD.

Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can affect children between the ages of 4 and 18 years. ADHD in adults always occurs as a continuation of childhood ADHD. Symptoms that begin in adulthood are caused by factors unrelated to ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults is often difficult to diagnose. The doctor should ask about the history or symptoms of childhood ADHD. The patient may ask parents or former teachers to provide school records or other useful information about him. The doctor will ask the patient questions about the following types of symptoms:

Inattention and problems with memory (the patient may forget or lose things, being absent-minded, not finishing things, underestimating time, the order of things, he has problems when starting or changing work, halfway through its completion);
- hyperactivity and restlessness (the patient is always on the go, fussy, slightly bored, strives for an active and fast pace in work and activities);
- impulsiveness and emotional instability (the patient says things without thinking, interrupts others, gets irritated with other people, is easily disappointed, his mood is unpredictable, rash);
- problems with self-esteem (the patient avoids new tasks, he develops confidence in others, but not in himself).

Complications attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be a problem for children and their loved ones.

- Emotional problems. Children with ADHD, especially those who also have anxiety or depressive disorders, typically suffer from low self-esteem.

- Social problems. ADHD can affect children in their relationships with peers. Children with ADHD may have difficulties with social skills and related behavior that can lead to bullying (both as a victim and as a perpetrator) and rejection. Impulsivity and aggression can lead to fights and negative interactions with other children. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and high levels of aggression may be at higher risk for delinquent behavior (an individual's antisocial, unlawful behavior embodied in his or her misconduct—actions or inactions that harm individuals and society as a whole) during adolescence and criminal activity. in adulthood.

- Risk of injury. Impulsivity in young people with ADHD may put them at risk of not thinking about consequences. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have an increased risk of accidents and injuries. For example, a child with ADHD may not be tested on their ability to react to oncoming traffic while riding a bicycle or whether they can participate in high-risk, physically demanding activities. All of these problems of children with ADHD carry over into their adult lives.

- Alcohol or drug abuse. Research shows that youth with ADHD—specifically conduct or mood disorder—have an above-average risk of substance abuse that begins at a young age. Biological factors associated with ADHD may make these individuals susceptible to substance abuse. Many of these young people can recover themselves from this condition.

- Problems with learning. Although speech and learning disorders are common in children with ADHD, they do not affect their intelligence. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have the same IQ (intelligence quotient) range as the general population. Many children with ADHD struggle in school. Some evidence suggests that inattention may be a major factor in poor academic performance in these children. Difficulties in reading can also cause problems for them. Poor academic performance can affect a child's self-esteem and self-confidence, and influence various social problems in relationships with peers.

- Impact on the family. The time and attention required to address problems in children with ADHD can alter internal family relationships and lead to conflicts with parents and siblings.

Other disorders associated with ADHD

Some disorders may mimic or accompany ADHD. Many of these disorders require other treatments and must be diagnosed separately, even if they co-occur with ADHD.

- Oppositional defiant disorder (THIEF). It is often associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The most common symptom of this disorder is negative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that lasts for more than six months. In addition to inattention and impulsive behavior, these children exhibit aggression, frequent tantrums, and display antisocial behavior. A significant number of children with VOR disorder also have anxiety and depression, which should be treated separately. Many children who develop VOR at an early age go on to develop conduct disorder.

- Behavior disorder. Some children with ADHD also have conduct disorder, which is described as a complex group of behavioral and emotional disorders. It includes aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, seduction, deception, theft and general violation of social rules.

- Developmental disorder. The developmental disorder is rare and is usually characterized by autistic behavior, flapping hands, repetitive statements, and slow speech and motor development. If a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD does not respond to treatment, parents may view it as a developmental disorder that often responds to antidepressants. Some such children may also benefit from stimulant medications.

- Hearing disorders. Hearing problems can mimic symptoms of ADHD and should be assessed during diagnosis. Hearing disorders are another condition that can affect children's ability to process auditory information. Children with this type of disorder have normal hearing, but something in their brain does not allow them to filter out background noise and differentiate between similar sounds. A hearing disorder may be misdiagnosed as ADHD and may co-occur with it.

- Bipolar disorder. Children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may also have bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and mania (with symptoms of irritability, rapid speech, and blackouts). Both disorders often cause inattention and distractibility and can be difficult to tell apart, especially in children. In some cases, ADHD in children and adolescents may be a marker for developing bipolar disorder.

- Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders often accompany ADHD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a specific anxiety disorder that shares many of the characteristics of ADHD, with some genetic components. Young children who have experienced a traumatic event (including sexual or physical abuse or neglect) may exhibit characteristics of ADHD, including impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and oppositional behavior.

- Sleep disturbance. Sleep disorders often associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea (sleep breathing disorder).

Diseases with similar symptoms

- Tourette's syndrome and other genetic disorders. Several genetic disorders cause ADHD-like symptoms, including Tourette's syndrome. For many patients with Tourette's syndrome and ADHD, some of the treatments are similar.

- Lead poisoning. Children who ingest even small amounts of lead may exhibit symptoms similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The child may be easily distracted, disorganized, and unable to think logically. The leading cause of lead poisoning is exposure to lead paint, especially in older homes that are poorly maintained.

Ltreatment attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered a chronic disease that requires long-term, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of symptoms, medications, and other treatment programs. Although symptoms may improve over time, ADHD does not usually “go away.” Patients can, however, learn to control their condition through behavioral techniques, which are often supported by medication.

Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not completely reverse the condition, but focuses on controlling symptoms and improving the person's functioning. Treatment usually involves a combination of psychostimulants. These are usually: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and behavioral therapy (other drugs may also be used for older children and adults). Treatment often involves a systemic approach that includes the child's pediatrician, other health care providers, parents, and teachers.

For preschool-aged children (ages 4-5), behavioral therapy provided by parents and teachers should be considered first. For many children, behavior therapy alone results in significant improvement. If further treatment is necessary and the benefits seem to outweigh the risks, the doctor may prescribe the stimulants Methylphenidate (Ritalin, etc.);
- For school-age children (ages 6-11), a combination of medication, stimulant and behavioral therapy is needed. Alternatives to stimulant medications, in order of recommendation: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Tenex), or Clonidine (Catapres);
- Adolescents (aged 12-18 years) should be treated with medications and, if necessary, behavioral therapy. Some patients at this age may be able to temporarily stop taking their medications. The doctor should closely monitor the child during this time. Teens should also have their medication doses adjusted as they grow and change during puberty;
- treatment of adult ADHD. As with children, treatment for adults with ADHD is a combination of medications and psychotherapy. For medications, stimulants or non-narcotic stimulants, Atomoxetine (Strattera) is usually the first line treatment, and with antidepressants it is a secondary option. Most stimulant medications, including Atomoxetine, are approved for use in adults with ADHD. Adults who have heart problems or risk factors should be aware of the cardiovascular risks associated with ADHD treatment.

Medicines for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Several types of medications are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

- Psychostimulants. These are the main drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although these drugs stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), they have a calming effect on people with ADHD. These drugs include methylphenidate and amphetamine. These drugs increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for cognitive functions such as attention.

- Alpha-2 agonists. Alpha-2 agonists stimulate the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which may be important for concentration. These include guanfacine and clonidine. Alpha-2 agonists are used for Tourette's syndrome and may be useful when other medications fail to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with severe impulsivity and aggression. These drugs may be prescribed in combination with stimulants.

- Antidepressants. Because antidepressants work as well as behavioral therapy, doctors recommend that patients first try psychotherapy before using antidepressants.

Behavior correction

Behavioral management techniques for a child with ADHD are not immediately clear to most parents and teachers. To get to know them, they may all need help from qualified psychologists and health professionals or ADHD support groups. The idea of ​​changing the behavior of a very energetic and stubborn child is daunting at first. It is useless and harmful to force a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to be like most other, healthy children. It is possible, however, to limit his destructive behavior and instill in a child with ADHD a sense of self-worth that will help him overcome all the negativity.

Raising a child with ADHD, like raising any child, is a difficult process. A child's self-esteem will develop as the child's ability to step back and think about the consequences of a possible action increases, and then to control the action before taking it. But it doesn't happen quickly. A growing child with ADHD is different from other children in very specific ways and presents challenges at any age.
Parents must first create their own tolerance levels. Some parents are calm and can accept a wide range of their child's behavior, while others cannot. Helping your child achieve self-discipline requires compassion, patience, love, and loyalty.

- Setting agreed rules for the child. Parents should be as consistent as possible in their approach to the child, rewarding good behavior and discouraging destructive behavior. Rules of conduct for a child should be clearly defined, but flexible enough to include harmless features. It is important to understand that children with ADHD have a much harder time adapting to change than other children. Parents should create predictable situations and provide a neat and stable environment at home (especially in the children's room).
Also, through useful literature and work with psychologists and doctors, parents should learn to competently manage the aggression of their child suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .

In addition, parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder absolutely need to learn how to reward such children for any good and calm behavior. There are many ways.

- Improved concentration and attention. Children with ADHD perform significantly better on academic tasks when they have an interest in the subject. Parents should be on the lookout for all activities that keep the child's concentration. Options include swimming, tennis, and other sports that focus attention and limit peripheral stimulation (children with ADHD may have difficulty with team sports that require constant alertness, such as soccer or basketball).

- Interaction with the school. Even if one parent successfully manages their child at home, the child with ADHD often has difficulties at school. The ultimate goal of any educational process is the happy, prosperous and healthy social integration of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with their peers.

- Teacher training. Any teacher must be prepared for the behavioral characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in order to competently manage these children. They, like the parents of such children, need to study the relevant medical, pedagogical and other literature and also actively consult with psychologists and doctors on this matter.

- The role of parents in school. Parents can help their child by talking to the teacher before the start of the school year about their child's situation. The primary task for parents is to develop a positive, rather than aggressive, impatient, or overly strict attitude of the teacher towards the child. Finding a mentor who can help your child study after school can also be very helpful.

- Special education programs. High quality special education can be very helpful in improving a child's learning and self-esteem. However, programs vary in their ability to provide quality education. Parents should be aware of some restrictions and issues with special education:

Special education programs in a normal school setting often increase a child's sense of social exclusion;
- If an educational strategy focuses only on the child's abnormal, distressing behavior, it will fail to take advantage of the creative, competitive, and dynamic energy that often accompanies ADHD;
- The best approach may be to treat this syndrome is to train teachers to manage such children in normal classrooms.

Other treatments attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

- Dietary approach. Certain diets have been suggested for people with ADHD. Several well-conducted studies do not support the effects of dietary sugar and dietary supplements, suggesting that they negatively affect the behavior of those with ADHD, except perhaps in a very small percentage of children. However, various studies have shown improvements in behavior from diets that limit potential allergens (eg, citrus fruits) in the diet. Parents may want to talk to their doctor about eliminating a food-specific diet.

Possible stimuli that influence behavior change include:

Any artificial colors (especially yellow, red or green);
- other chemical additives;
- milk;
- chocolate;
- eggs;
- wheat;
- food products containing salicylates, including all berries, ground red peppers, apples and cider, cloves, grapes, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes, tomatoes;
- essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish and some vegetable oils, are important for normal brain function and may provide some benefits for people with ADHD. It has not yet been determined whether supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acid compounds such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid provides benefits;
- zinc. Zinc is an important metabolic neurotransmitter that plays a role in ADHD. Its deficiency may in some cases be associated with ADHD. Long-term use of zinc, however, can lead to anemia and other side effects in people without deficiencies, and in these patients it has no effect on ADHD. In any case, testing for micronutrients such as zinc is not routine when evaluating children with suspected ADHD;
- sugar. Although parents often believe that sugar is harmful to children, because... it causes them to become impulsive or hyperactive—research does not confirm this.

- Alternative methods. A number of alternative approaches help children and adults with mild ADHD symptoms. For example, daily massage may help some people with ADHD feel happier, less agitated, less hyperactive, and more focused on tasks. Other alternative approaches that may be helpful include relaxation training and music therapy. These treatments may be useful for symptomatic treatment, but they have not been shown to provide benefit to the underlying disorder.

- Herbs and supplements. Many parents resort to alternative remedies - psychostimulants and other medications. These products include: St. John's wort, ginseng, melatonin, pine bark extract, etc. However, there is no scientific evidence that they are effective.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a minimal brain dysfunction. This is a clinical syndrome manifested by impulsivity, excessive motor activity, and impaired concentration.

There are 3 types of ADHD diagnosis: in one of them hyperactivity predominates, in the second there is only attention deficit, the third type combines both indicators.

Children suffering from ADHD syndrome are unable to maintain attention on anything for a long time; they are absent-minded, forgetful, often lose their things, do not perceive instructions and requests from adults the first time, and find it difficult to follow a daily routine.

They are too active, talkative, fussy, strive to be leaders everywhere, are often pugnacious, very emotional, impatient, and love to fantasize. It is difficult for them to learn the rules and norms of behavior, they are distracted by any sounds, and at school such children often lack motivation to study. In a dialogue, they often interrupt the interlocutor and impose their own topic that interests them at the moment.

At what age is the disease typical?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder begins to manifest itself with the beginning of the child’s development, but it becomes especially noticeable in children by the age of 4-5 years. But the diagnosis is officially made only at 7-8 years of age, despite the fact that the symptoms of the disease appear much earlier.

According to studies, in most cases the disease is more common in boys than in girls, and the ratio between those affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is 4:1 in favor of the former. At primary school age, about 30% of students suffer from the disease, i.e. In each elementary school class, 1-2 students are children with ADHD. Only 20-25% of patients undergo any treatment.

Causes and risk factors

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be caused by the following reasons:

• pathology of the development of the frontal lobes of the brain and disruption of the functioning of its subcortical structures;
• genetic factor, - children whose relatives have a history of ADHD are 5 times more likely to suffer from such a disorder;
• – a central nervous system disorder in newborns resulting from brain damage in utero or during the mother’s labor;
• prematurity;
• problematic pregnancy(umbilical cord entanglement in the fetus, threat of miscarriage, stress, infections, taking illegal medications, smoking, alcoholism);
• rapid, long-lasting, premature birth, stimulation of labor.

Frequent conflicts in the family, excessive severity towards the child, physical punishment are factors that can trigger the development of ADHD.

Features of ADHD in adults

For adults suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the following symptoms and manifestations are typical:

A large percentage of people diagnosed with ADHD become drug addicts and alcoholics, they lead an antisocial lifestyle and often take the path of crime.

Hyperactivity in children of preschool and school age

The first signs of hyperactivity syndrome begin to appear in infancy in the form of the following symptoms:

• frequent movements of arms and legs;
• randomness of movements;
• delayed speech development;
• clumsiness;
• disinhibition, lack of control in behavior;
• restlessness;
• inattention;
• inability to maintain attention on a subject;
• frequent mood changes;
• constant haste;
• difficulty communicating and establishing contacts with peers;
• lack of fear.

Going to school for a child with ADHD becomes a burden for him or her. Due to his physiology, the student cannot sit quietly in one place, during the lesson he is distracted and disturbs others, he cannot concentrate his attention, he is of little interest in school subjects, during the lesson he can walk around the class or asks for leave under the guise of “going to the toilet”, and he walks around the school grounds.

Diagnosis of the disease

The main diagnostic method for a preschool child to identify ADHD is to observe his behavior in his usual environment: in a kindergarten group, on a walk, when communicating with friends, teachers, and parents.

To make a diagnosis of ADHD, attention, activity, thinking and other processes are assessed, for which a behavioral rating scale is used in children over 6 years of age.

The problem should be dealt with by a child psychiatrist. Particular emphasis is placed on complaints from parents, teachers and the child’s medical history. When assessing behavior patterns, the doctor needs to know the opinion of the school psychologist and the family situation. The child must exhibit at least 6 of the following symptoms over the course of six months:

• makes mistakes due to inattention;
• does not listen or hear the interlocutor;
• avoids tasks that require mental effort;
• loses personal belongings;
• distracted by any noise;
• plays restlessly;
• interrupts those talking to him;
• talks too much;
• fidgets and rocks in the chair;
• stands up when it is prohibited;
• throws a tantrum in response to a fair remark;
• wants to be the first in everything;
• commits thoughtless acts;
• can't wait for his turn.

When diagnosing ADHD in adults, a neurologist collects data on possible symptoms of the disease and prescribes studies: psychological and educational testing, electrocardiography, etc. It is necessary to collect symptoms of the disease.

Treatment and the necessary set of measures for correction

You should not expect complete relief from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But there are many means and methods capable of reducing severe symptoms. Treatment for ADHD includes medication, diet, psychotherapy, behavior modification, and other methods.

Drugs that affect concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD: Methylphenidate, Cerebrolysin, Dexedrine. Their exposure time is up to 10 hours.

Children under 6 years of age should take these medications with extreme caution, because at an early age there is a high risk of developing allergic reactions, insomnia, tachycardia, decreased appetite, and dependence on medications.

Massage of the head and neck-collar area, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and the use of infusions of medicinal herbs (pine bark, mint, ginseng, St. John's wort) will be of great benefit.

Corrective process in the family

The family should be involved in the correction process for symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

• the child must be praised at every opportunity; it is important for him to be successful;
• the family should have a reward system for every good deed;
• the requirements for the child must be feasible for his age;
• eliminate parental pickiness;
• Sharing family time is important;
• crowds of people contribute to outbursts of hyperactivity in a child;
• Overworking a child, humiliation, anger and rudeness towards him is unacceptable;
• do not ignore children's requests;
• It is forbidden to compare the baby with peers, highlighting his shortcomings;
• it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician.

Preventive measures

Overly active children should not take part in competitions and games that have a pronounced emotional component. Strength sports are also not an option. Hiking and water tourism, swimming, jogging, skiing and skating are suitable for preventing ADHD. Physical activity should be moderate!

It is necessary to change the attitude towards the child, both at home and at school. It is recommended to simulate successful situations to eliminate self-doubt.

Children with ADHD can “cripple” the health of their household. Therefore, it is advisable for parents to undergo a course of family or personal psychotherapy. Mother and father should be calm and allow as few quarrels as possible. It is necessary to build a trusting relationship with the child.

Hyperactive children practically do not react to comments, punishments, prohibitions, but they happily respond to encouragement and praise. Therefore, the attitude towards them should be special.

Symptoms of the disease in most cases, as the child grows older, will smooth out and appear less pronounced; the child will gradually “outgrow” the difficult period. Therefore, parents need to be patient and help their beloved child get through a difficult stage of life.

Over the past decade, the number of diseases commonly called hyperactivity, or scientifically called attention deficit disorder in children, has increased. How to understand: the baby is sick or pedagogically neglected?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical diagnosis defined as a neurological-behavioral developmental disorder. Characterized by difficulty concentrating, excessive motor activity, disregard for accepted social norms, aggressiveness, and inability to control emotions.

The first signs appear in preschool childhood, but according to the American Psychiatric Association, diagnosis is allowed only from the age of twelve. According to a 2006 study, 3–5% of the American population, including adults, have the disease.

A treatment for the neurological cause of the disorder has not been found. In 30% of children, symptoms disappear with age, or children adapt to them. In case of maladjustment, a decrease in intellectual abilities and perception of information is observed. There are methods for correcting behavioral deviations.

Since the 70s of the last century, there have been debates regarding the reality of this disease. Many public figures, politicians, doctors and parents consider it a fiction. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has confirmed an increase in misdiagnosis and has recommended more research into methods for recognizing ADHD.

The disorder is divided into 3 types:

1. Attention deficit itself (ADHD - AD). Difficulty concentrating and remembering.
2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD - HI, ADHD - G). Motor disinhibition, restlessness, and thoughtlessness of actions are observed.
3. Mixed type (ADHD - C). A combination of three signs.

Symptoms of the disease

Children who do not have this disease are often called hyperactive. The reason lies in the fact that signs of the disorder in small manifestations are characteristic of childhood: restlessness, difficulty concentrating with poor motivation, haste. And with a lack of education, they tend to worsen. This may be due to medical or parental error.

According to the 2007 guidelines for diagnosing ADHD:

• Diagnostics of behavior must take place in at least two environments (school – home – circle) of a child of senior school age;
• Long-term observation is necessary to determine the persistence of symptoms (at least six months);
• If the child’s development lags behind his peers;
• Behavioral disorders are accompanied by learning and communication difficulties.

Main signs of the disease

Absent-mindedness:

• It is difficult for a child to maintain attention on a task, to engage in activities that require long-term concentration, and is easily distracted.
• Often tries to avoid completing assignments that involve lengthy mental work (helping with housework, school homework).
• It is difficult to independently organize the implementation of some activity.
• Often loses necessary things, absent-minded.
• Cannot concentrate on details.

Impulsivity is insufficient control of actions when following instructions. An important symptom accompanying attention deficit in children:

• Quick reaction to the implementation of a task while ignoring or underestimating accompanying instructions.
• Inability to foresee the bad consequences of one's actions or circumstances.
• The desire to impress others (especially peers) with actions that are dangerous to their health and life (frequent poisoning, injuries).

Hyperactivity:

• Motor disinhibition. Constantly jumps around, fidgets in his chair, spins around.
• It is difficult for the child to sit in one place when necessary. During lessons he runs around the classroom.
• He plays loudly and is talkative.

Symptoms of ADHD appear starting in preschool age. The child is restless, makes many aimless movements, and unceremoniously interrupts adults. It’s difficult to get your little one to prepare for school. Having sat down to study under my mother’s pressure, he is constantly distracted.

School-age children have problems mastering material due to their low ability to concentrate. Academic performance is below average, difficulties in relationships with peers. Conducting a lesson in a classroom with a child with attention deficit disorder is difficult. He constantly distracts others, spins around, interrupts the teacher, and is in a hurry to complete the task. Books and notebooks are forgotten in class. Despite their disinhibited behavior, younger schoolchildren do not show aggression.

Adolescence changes symptoms. External impulsiveness turns into internal anxiety and fussiness. The inability to independently plan time and organize activities leads to irresponsibility. Poor academic performance and problems communicating with classmates affect self-esteem, which leads to depression and short temper. The desire to occupy a significant position among peers can push one to take thoughtless risks, often resulting in injuries and bruises.

If the teenager does not outgrow the disease, it progresses into adulthood. Emotional instability and irritability persist. Chronic lack of punctuality, forgetfulness, inability to complete initiatives, and high sensitivity to criticism make him a bad employee. Low self-esteem prevents you from realizing your potential. People suffering from this disease often find an outlet in various addictions: alcohol, drugs. If you don’t engage in self-development, you risk finding yourself at the bottom of your life.

Causes of pathology

Experts have not yet clearly established the triggering factors for ADHD. Presumptive are:

• Genetic background. It is assumed that the disorder is congenital and is associated with a malfunction of the central nervous system. This is what scientists see as the neurological root of the disease.
• Deteriorating ecology. Air poisoning from exhaust gases, water pollution from harmful household chemicals.
• Features of the course of pregnancy. Infectious and chronic diseases of the mother, alcohol consumption, smoking.
• Complications during childbirth: long, rapid, stimulation of labor, intoxication by anesthesia, entanglement of the fetus with the umbilical cord.
• Illnesses in the first year of life, accompanied by high fever, and taking potent medications.

Diagnostic methods

The medical community has been debating for half a century about effective ways to recognize ADHD. Scientists at Canada's McMaster University have confirmed that there are currently no specific tests or medical equipment that directly diagnose ADHD. In addition, the criteria for diagnosing the disease have changed during the existence of the diagnosis and differ in different countries.

American psychiatrists use two scales: Connors and Yale-Brown, which ask parents or teachers to evaluate the child’s behavior according to parameters characteristic of the disorder: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, experts who criticize the diagnostic methods argue that the assessment of behavior on these scales is too biased, and the diagnostic criteria are so vague that it is possible to diagnose ADHD in any healthy child with “uncomfortable” behavior.

To avoid medical errors, consultation with several specialists is necessary, including a pediatrician, psychologist and pediatric neurologist. Additional medical examinations will be required: MRI of the brain, Doppler sonography, EEG, which will be the basis for a psychiatrist’s diagnosis of ADHD.

Treatment of the disease

To correct attention deficit in children, an integrated approach is required, including the eradication of neuropsychological and behavioral problems. Taking into account the characteristics and type of ADHD of the child, a personal rehabilitation program is selected. With timely consultation with a specialist and treatment, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of ADHD until recovery.

Drug therapy

It should be noted that the prescription of pharmacological correction is acceptable in cases where restoration of cognitive functions cannot be achieved with non-drug treatment.

Taking medications to improve brain function in children with attention deficit disorder is a fairly common practice in the United States. Medicines are divided into several groups:

1. Psychostimulants (Ritalin (methylphenidate), Amphetamine, Dexamphetamine). They have a powerful stimulating effect on the central nervous system: improve concentration, reduce manifestations of impulsivity. In the United States, Ritalin is commonly used to treat ADHD, although there is no evidence of effectiveness. Many experts consider it controversial, since long-term use of Ritalin leads to the development of psychosis, paranoid and schizophrenic tendencies (visual and auditory hallucinations, aggressiveness), and is addictive. An Australian study involving 2868 families and lasting 20 years showed the ineffectiveness of psychostimulant treatment for ADHD. In a number of countries, including Russia, methylphenidate (Ritalin) is prohibited.
2. Antidepressants: Imipramine, Thioridazine, Desipramine. Significantly improve attention, reduce hyperactivity, but have side effects on physical health with long-term use.
3. Nootropic drugs (Nootropil, Cerebrolysin, Piracetam). Neurometabolic stimulants that affect the cerebral cortex and enhance cognitive processes. They are considered low-risk psychopharmacological drugs, but can cause complications. Widely used in post-Soviet countries.

A significant disadvantage of drug therapy for ADHD is the short-term results of treatment: the child’s condition improves only while taking the drug and has no effect on recovery at all. The use of psychostimulants by adolescents with attention deficit disorder develops a tendency to take drugs.

Non-pharmacological therapy

ADHD can be treated without the use of medications. There are two non-drug methods for correcting the neurological side of the disorder:

1. Neuropsychological approach. Claims that certain physical exercises affect the functioning of the cortical structures of the brain, activate and fill mental processes with energy. Based on the teachings of A.R. Luria on the “neuropsychological developmental loop”. This support for children with attention deficit helps to develop self-control, arbitrariness, and increase learning efficiency.
2. Syndromic method. Restoration of the cervical spine damaged due to birth injuries, which normalizes blood supply to the brain.

In addition to the treatment methods described above, experts recommend:

• Yoga classes, meditation. Helps you relax, reduces impulsivity, improves blood supply to the whole body, including the brain.
• Special diet. Elimination of sugar, allergens, caffeine.

Behavior correction for ADHD consists of the following methods:

Cognitive psychotherapy is the most effective treatment used in the correction of mental disorders (neuroses, phobias, depression). Helps children with attention deficit problems who have problems communicating with peers successfully socialize. Impulsivity coupled with a lack of interaction skills leads to rejection, which exacerbates isolation.

Therapy includes personal and group sessions. Communication skills training helps develop the following communication abilities: the ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, understand others, and control negative emotions. To successfully master the skills, you must attend at least 20 classes in a group consisting of 6–8 people. Personal cognitive behavioral therapy breaks up ineffective patterns of action and thinking. Helps children with attention deficit to reinforce the desired behavior.

• Family psychotherapy. Must be present in the treatment of ADHD in children. Spent with the whole family. Parents face their feelings of guilt for the “not that kind” of a child and learn to react correctly in life’s circumstances.

For attention deficit disorder in children, treatment must involve doctors, parents and teachers. The greatest burden falls on the family, whose members must have a good knowledge of the characteristics and methods of treating ADHD, and create conditions at home that are conducive to the child’s recovery:

• Love. Show tenderness and care. The baby needs to feel the support of loved ones.

Important! The feeling of pity is a bad ally. Do not free the student from various household chores, fueling his “special” status. He will begin to feel sorry for himself, which will negatively affect the dynamics of treatment.

Together, we can correct the child’s behavior and help him recover.

Inappropriate behavior, bad grades at school, impudence and uncontrollable activity - do not rush to scold your child and constantly pull him back.

Perhaps the child suffers from attention deficit disorder and desperately needs the help of a doctor.

A little history

Although in Russia, following American and European researchers, the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) began to be made only a decade ago, such behavioral disorders in children were first described in 1845 by Heinrich Hoffmann, a psychiatrist from Germany. Since then, many researchers around the world have been studying similar symptoms, and only in 1994 was the modern term for the disease first proposed and established.

What is Attention Deficit Disorder

Long-term studies prove that from 5% to 15% of schoolchildren are overly active and experience serious difficulties in learning. They cannot coordinate their attention to the teacher’s explanation, it is incredibly difficult for them to remain calm and sit still during the lesson and, as a result, the grades they receive cause parents understandable grief. The main signs of attention deficit disorder are:

- almost complete lack of attention, inability to concentrate it at the right moment;

- restlessness and hyperactivity, such children are considered problematic and disobedient;

- impulsiveness - an overly quick reaction does not allow one to assess possible risks or adequately carry out the tasks assigned to them.

Boys are the most susceptible to behavioral deviations - among those suffering from this disease there are 4-9 times more of them than girls. Each sick child has its own individual manifestations of the disease, but for all, a characteristic feature is the difficulty of controlling attention, activity and restraint.

Causes of attention deficit disorder in children

Despite numerous studies, the exact cause of the disease has not yet been identified. But experts quite reasonably believe that the factors causing the disease are:

1. Genetic predisposition.

2. Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

3. Premature birth.

4. Infectious diseases of the brain and brain injuries in early childhood.

It has been proven that the disease develops when there is a deficiency of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, so it is extremely important to make the correct diagnosis and undergo the necessary treatment.

How to recognize attention deficit disorder in children

Unfortunately, Russian doctors cannot always make the correct diagnosis. Attention deficit disorder is often called mental retardation or childhood psychopathy, and sometimes the diagnosis of ADHD is given even to patients with obvious signs of schizophrenia. Of course, it is difficult to recognize this disease, because almost all children at a certain age are too active and not too attentive in class. Therefore, to make a correct diagnosis, you should carefully and in detail analyze the existing symptoms.

1. Inattention

A child with normal intelligence is simply unable to concentrate on the task or the teacher’s explanation. Having to perform an activity for a long time causes boredom and loss of interest. Completion of mandatory actions is postponed until later, daily duties are not fulfilled, the desire to complete several tasks at the same time ends in a complete fiasco. Almost 90% of children with ADHD have learning and grade problems due to learning disabilities. It is difficult for them to understand the meaning of the interlocutor’s speech, they often lose their things, and make mistakes in tests due to inattention. It is extremely difficult for such children to work independently, so they try to avoid doing homework by any means necessary.

2. Hyperactivity

They say about such children that “they have a motor inside them” - they are overly sociable and restless, it is difficult for them to sit in one place, their arms and legs are in constant motion, and the desire to climb somewhere defeats healthy sense. Often talkative and restless, children cannot engage in quiet games in their leisure time, showing aimless physical activity. With age, these symptoms gradually decrease and disappear, although this does not mean recovery.

3. Impulsiveness

A very dangerous sign, as it often leads to accidents. Children with ADHD are careless and inattentive, unable to listen to instructions to perform an action. Sometimes it seems like they don't think at all before doing something. Unable to calculate the negative consequences of their actions, they commit risky and thoughtless actions - they are able to jump out onto the road with speeding cars or gloatingly destroy someone’s property, they demonstrate courage to their peers through dangerous and risky actions.

A distinctive feature of the behavior of such children in the classroom is the desire to answer the question asked by the teacher without listening to it completely. Moreover, the answer will contain the first thought that comes to mind. When talking with friends, they constantly interrupt others, trying to express their point of view. Children suffering from attention deficit disorder are unable to refuse a desired thing or action - having wanted something, they must get it immediately.

If we consider the signs of the disease in different age groups, we can see that:

- preschoolers are restless, restless and disobedient;

— schoolchildren are forgetful, constantly on the move, and non-aggressive;

- teenagers experience feelings of depression and anxiety, exaggerate life’s difficulties and are unable to deal with them, and tend to commit actions to spite relatives or friends.

In some cases, attention deficit disorder is accompanied by hostility, deliberate disobedience, violent or tearful behavior, and a lack of desire to communicate with peers. Sometimes the disease can be accompanied by tics - twitching of the head or facial muscles, sniffling or unexpected screams. This scares the surrounding children, and the child may be left without communication with peers.

I have been diagnosed with ADHD, what next?

If you give up on the doctor’s diagnosis and refuse treatment in the hope of “outgrowing it!”, you can doom your child to a not entirely successful future. Over time, the manifestations of the disease become less pronounced, but ADHD in independent adult life will cause poor memory, inability to plan one’s actions, and a low level of professional activity. In addition, patients diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are prone to various types of addiction and severe forms of depression.

The best treatment option for ADHD is complex - psychological correction in combination with medications. Sometimes the unbearable behavior of her own beloved child makes a mother feel guilty for improper upbringing. However, it is important to understand that this is all due to an insidious disease that can and should be defeated. Effective treatment will return peace to the family and provide the child with a normal, full life.

A child has attention deficit disorder - what should parents do?

Sometimes parents are outraged by the diagnosis, not understanding the complexity of the problem. Given the lack of awareness, we can advise such mothers to talk to specialists and read literature in order to better understand the causes and consequences of the disease. It is possible to defeat it only together, coordinating the actions of doctors and parents.

A lot depends on the actions of moms and dads, so the baby’s loved ones should listen to the advice of experienced specialists:

1. A painful reaction to criticism of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder makes their life too difficult. You should not constantly scold your child for wrong actions and inappropriate behavior. It is much more useful to offer your help in cleaning things up or preparing for school, and to praise them for their diligence and overcoming difficulties. It is very important to emphasize every achievement, no matter how small, and to give the child confidence in his own capabilities.

2. Parents' praise is a very important factor in achieving mutual understanding and calm. Praise your child for any available reason - he washed a cup after himself, put away his toys, wrote carefully in a notebook, or helped his mother set the table. Do not skimp on words of support even in case of failure, because adults quite often make mistakes and minor offenses.

3. Calm music, board games, and a warm bath can relieve irritation or dissatisfaction.

4. A daily routine put together will help the child gain calm and confidence; it is important for him to understand his responsibilities and their order. It is useful to teach the student to make a list of upcoming tasks, taking into account their importance. In order not to put off the lesson you started, you will also need the unobtrusive help of your parents.

5. Communication is an important component of normal family relationships and normalizing the behavior of a tomboy. When listening to a story about your day, you should not make harsh comments about unpleasant events. React positively to school news, gently suggesting a more correct option for resolving any controversial issues. It is extremely important that the child feels the attention of loved ones to his problems and actions, feels love and support.

6. Bad actions, which, alas, cannot be avoided, should receive appropriate assessment. However, you should not generalize and reprimand for persistent bad behavior. It is better to make it clear that a specific action is condemned and try to clearly explain the reason for parental dissatisfaction. If punishment is required, remember that it must be as fair as possible and correspond to the level of severity of the offense committed.

7. If you feel useless and powerless, don’t forget that you have a loyal and reliable ally. The doctor is ready at any time to correct actions and suggest the correct and trouble-free solution to the problem that has arisen.

Raising a child with attention deficit disorder is not easy, but do not forget that this diagnosis is not a death sentence. This is just a disease that can be treated and will definitely be defeated. Good luck and patience!

What is this?

Experts call the term “ADHD” a neurological behavioral disorder that begins in early childhood and manifests itself in the form of problems with concentration, increased activity and impulsivity. Hyperactivity syndrome is where excitation always prevails over inhibition.

Causes

Scientists, educators and doctors suggest that the appearance of ADHD symptoms depends on the influence of various factors. Thus, biological factors are divided into prenatal and postnatal periods.

The causes of organic lesions can be:

• consumption of large quantities of alcohol and smoking during pregnancy;
• toxicosis and immune incompatibility;
• premature, prolonged labor, threatened miscarriage and attempt to terminate pregnancy;
• consequences of anesthesia and caesarean section;
• umbilical cord entanglement or malpresentation of the fetus;
• stress and psychological trauma of the mother during pregnancy, reluctance to have a child;
• any diseases of the child during infancy, accompanied by high fever, can also affect the formation and development of the brain;
• unfavorable psychosocial environment and hereditary predisposition;
• emotional disorders, increased anxiety, trauma.

There are also social reasons - these are the peculiarities of upbringing in the family or pedagogical neglect - upbringing according to the “family idol” type.

The appearance of ADHD is influenced by many social factors, both of the child himself and the mother of the unborn baby.

Signs

How can parents determine whether their child has hyperactivity? I think this is very easy to do at the initial definition stage. It is enough to note the symptoms that have been present in your child for a certain time.

Signs of inattention:

• does not like noisy rooms;
• it is difficult for him to concentrate;
• he is distracted from completing the task, reacts to external stimuli;
• gets down to business with great pleasure, but often moves from one unfinished action to another;
• Hears poorly and does not perceive instructions;
• has difficulties in self-organization, often loses his things in kindergarten or at home.

Hyperactive children are especially inattentive

Signs of hyperactivity:

• climbs on tables, cabinets, cabinets, on trees and fences outside;
• runs, spins and spins in place more often;
• walks around the room during classes;
• there are restless movements of the arms and legs, as if twitching;
• if he does anything, it is with noise and screaming;
• he constantly needs to do something (play, make crafts and draw) and does not know how to rest.

ADHD also manifests itself as excessive activity in children

Hyperactivity affects the inability to control emotions

You can talk about ADHD syndrome only when your child has had almost all of the above symptoms for a very long time.

The mental activity of children with ADHD syndrome is cyclical. A child can work well actively for 5-10 minutes, then there comes a period when the brain rests and accumulates energy for the next cycle. At this moment, the child is distracted and does not hear anyone. Then mental activity is restored, and the child is ready to work again within 5-15 minutes. Children with ADHD have “flickering attention,” a lack of concentration without additional motor stimulation. They need to move, spin, and constantly turn their heads to remain “conscious.”

In order to maintain concentration, children activate their balance centers through physical activity. For example, they lean back on a chair so that their back legs do not touch the floor. If their head is still, they will become less active.

How to distinguish ADHD from spoilage?

First of all, let's remember that all children are born with a temperament already laid down by mother nature. And how it will manifest itself depends on the development of the baby and on the upbringing of the parents.

Temperament directly depends on nervous processes, such as excitation and inhibition. At the moment, there are four types of temperament - sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic and melancholic. The main thing that parents should know is that there are no pure temperaments, just one of them predominates to a greater extent than the others.

If your child is active when you talk to friends on the street, or he throws tantrums in the store, and at this time you are busy choosing products, then this is a normal, healthy, active child.

But we can only talk about hyperactivity when the child is constantly running around, it is impossible to distract him, and the behavior is the same in kindergarten and at home. That is, sometimes temperamental symptoms can actually overlap with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

ADHD in children is recognized as high motor activity, rapid excitability and excessive emotionality

Parents share their experience of raising children with ADHD in the following video.

Classification of ADHD

The International Psychiatric Classification (DSM) identifies the following variants of ADHD:

1. mixed - a combination of hyperactivity with attention impairment - occurs most often, especially in boys;
2. inattentive - attention deficit predominates, more common in girls with wild imagination;
3. hyperactive - hyperactivity dominates. It may be a consequence of both the individual characteristics of the children’s temperament and certain disorders of the central nervous system.

Symptoms in children of different ages

Symptoms of hyperactivity may appear before the baby is born. These babies can be very active in the womb. An overly active child is a very dangerous phenomenon, because his activity can provoke entanglement in the umbilical cord, and this is fraught with hypoxia.

In babies under 1 year

1. Very active motor reaction to various actions.
2. Excessive loudness and hyperexcitability.
3. Possible delay in speech development.
4. Sleep disturbance (rarely in a state of relaxation).
5. High sensitivity to bright light or noise.
6. It should be remembered that a baby’s capriciousness at this age can be caused by poor nutrition, growing teeth, or colic.

In children 2-3 years old

• Restlessness.
• Fine motor disorders.
• Chaotic movements of the baby, as well as their redundancy.
• At this age, signs of ADHD become more active.

In preschoolers

1. They are unable to concentrate on what they are doing (listening to the end of a story, finishing a game).
2. In class he confuses assignments and quickly forgets questions asked.
3. It's hard to go to bed.
4. Disobedience and whims.
5. Children at 3 years old are very stubborn and willful, since this age is accompanied by a crisis. But with ADHD, these characteristics are amplified.

For schoolchildren

• Lack of attention in class.
• Answers quickly, without thinking, interrupts adults.
• Experiences self-doubt and low self-esteem.
• Fears and anxiety.
• Imbalance and unpredictability, changes in mood;
• Enuresis, complaints of headache.
• Tics appear.
• Not able to wait quietly for a long time.

Which specialists should you contact for help?

To confirm this diagnosis, parents should first of all contact a neurologist. It is he who, having collected the entire medical history, after examinations and tests, can confirm the presence of ADHD.

A child psychologist conducts psychological diagnostics using various questionnaires and methods for examining mental functions (memory, attention, thinking), as well as the emotional state of the child. Children of this type are often overexcited and tense.

If you look at their drawings, you can see superficial images, a lack of color schemes, or the presence of sharp strokes and pressure. When raising such a child, you should adhere to a single parenting style.

To clarify the diagnosis, additional tests are prescribed for a hyperactive child, since various diseases can be hidden behind a similar syndrome.

To establish or refute the diagnosis of ADHD, you should consult a specialist

Correction and treatment

Rehabilitation of a child with ADHD includes both individual support and psychological, pedagogical and medicinal correction.

At the first stage, a child psychologist and a neurologist conduct consultations, individual examinations, and use biofeedback technologies to teach the child how to breathe correctly.

In the correction of ADHD, the entire social and related environment of a hyperactive child must interact: parents, educators and teachers.

Psychological techniques are used to treat ADHD in children

Drug treatment is an additional and sometimes the main method of correcting ADHD. In medicine, children are prescribed nootropic drugs (Cortexin, Encephabol), they have a beneficial effect on brain activity and are effective in cases of inattention. If, on the contrary, hyperactive symptoms predominate, then drugs are used that contain gamma-aminobutyric acid, pantogam, phenibut, they are responsible for inhibiting processes in the brain. It must be remembered that all of the above medications can only be taken as prescribed by a neurologist.

Any medications are given to a child only as prescribed by a doctor.

It is important for parents to monitor their child's nutrition.

• It is mandatory to take 1000 mg of calcium, which is necessary for the development of a growing organism.
• The need for magnesium ranges from 180 mg to 400 mg per day. It is found in buckwheat, wheat, peanuts, potatoes and spinach.
• Omega 3 is a special type of fatty acids which ensures the passage of impulses to the cells of the heart and brain, so it is also important in the treatment of ADHD.

The main thing is that the baby’s diet also contains vitamins such as “choline” and “lecithin” - these are protectors and builders of the nervous system. Products that contain these substances are very useful (eggs, liver, milk, fish).

A very good effect is observed after using kinesiotherapy- these are breathing exercises, stretching, oculomotor exercises. Timely courses of massage (SHM) of the cervical spine, starting from an early age, will also be useful.

Sand therapy, working with clay, cereals and water will also be useful, but these games must be carried out under the strict supervision of adults. Especially if the child is small. Now on the shelves of children's stores you can find ready-made sets for such games, for example, “Kinesthetic Sand”, a table for playing with water and sand. The best result can be achieved if parents begin timely treatment and correction at an early age, when symptoms are just beginning to appear.

Useful acquisitions will have a very good effect on the child’s psyche

• Learn to follow a daily routine, this is very important for a child with ADHD; perform all routine moments at the same time.
• Create a comfortable environment for your child where he can be active for his own benefit. Sign up for sports clubs, clubs and swimming. Protect him from overwork, try to get enough sleep.
• When prohibiting one thing, always offer an alternative in return. For example, you can’t play with a ball at home, but you can play outside, suggest playing together.
• If possible, parents can attend behavioral programs provided at the centers. There they will be taught how to interact correctly with children and will share the secrets of raising and developing such children. Such classes are also conducted with children, both individually and in group form.
• Use visual stimulation and pictures of actions to reinforce verbal instructions.
• Children love stroking, massage each other, draw on the back with your hands.
• Listen to music. It has long been proven that classical music helps children focus and concentrate.
• V. Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 5-6" controls all parts of your child's brain at the same time, stimulates speech skills and motor skills.
• A. Mozart: “Symphony No. 40 in G minor” trains the muscles in the ear, the sound activates motor and auditory functions.
• Parents in the home environment can correct their children themselves using games aimed at training one function.

Learn to create a comfortable environment for a child with ADHD

Useful games

Sighting games

"Catch - don't catch." This is an analogue of everyone's favorite game "Edible - Inedible". That is, one leading player throws the ball and says a word, for example, relating to animals, and the second participant catches it or throws it away.

You can also play “Find the Difference”; "Prohibited movement"; "Listen to the command."

Games to relieve emotional stress

• "Touch." With the help of games, you teach your child to relax, relieve anxiety and develop his tactile sensitivity. Use different objects and materials for this: scraps of fabric, fur, glass and wood bottles, cotton wool, paper. Place it on the table in front of your child or put it in a bag. When he looks at them carefully, invite him, with his eyes closed, to try to guess what object he took or touched. The games “Tender Paws” are also interesting; "Talking with your hands."
• "Cake". Invite your child to bake his favorite cake and play with his imagination. Let the child be the dough, pretend to prepare the dough using elements of massage, stroking, tapping. Ask what to cook, what to add. This fun game relaxes and relieves stress.