PharmEasy Blog

What Is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

Hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder is commonly known as ADD and is a neurological condition, often characterized by attention-related, impulse control or hyperactivity.Attention means notice taken of someone or something or regarding someone or something as interesting or important or the action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something. Difficulty in paying attention or maintaining focus is roughly called Attention Deficit Disorder. People who have ADD generally lose focus or can sustain focus for a lesser span than an average person or are impulsive or hasty.

People with Attention Deficit Disorder: Are they different?

People with ADD generally are disorganized and inattentive, which may be perceived as a lack of understanding instructions or stubbornness.   Hyperactivity is also a characteristic in which the person may inappropriately and continuously move around and demonstrate inappropriate restlessness viz., keeps tapping feet, rocking back and forth.   They also make reckless decisions without evaluating the situation and its impact. They may impatiently want to be rewarded. Some may be overly pushy or meddling such that they keep offending people around.

Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms  

The symptoms of ADD can begin around three years of age or even up to 6 years. The signs may remain as the child grows into an adolescent and adult. Children with ADD may have difficulties in coping up with studies, understanding tasks given and even have a problem in performing an organized step by step activity. Similarly, adults with ADD may be disorganized, poor performers at academics and work and may face difficulties to maintain a social life.

Signs  to look out for in Children with Attention Deficit Disorder

The significance of Diagnosis in ADD

Early diagnosis is critical for Attention Deficit Disorder. There is a risk of ignoring ADD as habitual inattentiveness in children or hyperactivity. However, these need attention when they are severe or start affecting the child more frequently and impact his or her performance significantly.A correct diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder requires a complete evaluation by experts. Though there is no cure for ADD, it is a manageable condition. There are certain medicines that help to reduce specific symptoms. Apart from medication, there are several therapies that will help improve the various problems the patient with ADD faces. Such treatments aim to help the person control his behaviour and become more mindful of his activities and speech. Therapies also help the person grow more organized and exert better self-control.In the case of children, parents are educated and trained on the various ways in which they can help their child reduce   inappropriate behaviours. They are also advised on multiple tools which may help the child to cope up with studies and other activities. Parents are encouraged to inculcate small changes in daily life such as waiting for turns while playing, sharing things such as toys, books, etc., talking only when necessary. Channelizing the child’s energy in a constructive task is also an important way of reducing hyperactivity positively. Calmly convincing the child about the consequences of their particular activities regularly may also help the child in reducing hasty actions.In adults too, family members play an important role in helping the patient manage his or her condition. Practising meditation and a particular hobby or sport also helps a great deal in managing one’s behaviour.

Conclusion

Regular counselling sessions and behavioural re-assessments further help the patients in dealing with their condition by discussing and applying the changes required in daily life. They can even maintain a diary in which they note down the daily happenings and how they reacted to a particular situation. These can be periodically re-evaluated by themselves or counsellors and doctors to make changes if required in the management of ADD.It is crucial for parents and family members to treat ADD patients with love, care and respect. More importantly one needs to be very patient when dealing with people suffering from ADD.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.