“Unnecessary to anyone”: attention deficit disorder

Attention deficit disorder manifests itself in increased activity and excitability of the child. Moreover, with an increase in the amount of physical activity, the baby does not become calmer. It is difficult for him to sit in one place or engage in quiet play. The disease is diagnosed in children 5-12 years old. In boys it manifests itself to a greater extent in increased activity, while in girls it is characterized by inattention.

Attention deficit disorder in children

This chronic condition is affecting more and more children, and sometimes persists well into adulthood. People with attention deficit disorder usually have low self-esteem and find it difficult to build relationships with peers and teachers. Increased excitability does not allow you to concentrate and assimilate material when studying.

Most children experience less symptoms as they age, but some live with it their entire lives. It is impossible to completely get rid of the problem; complex therapy only reduces excitability. The treatment method includes behavior correction, the work of a psychologist with the baby’s family, and medication. When treatment is started at an early stage, the likelihood of a positive result is higher.

Causes of attention deficit

Attention deficit is diagnosed in approximately 5% of children, and this figure increases every year. Let's look at the reasons for its occurrence. Factors that absolutely influence the development of the disease in a child have not been scientifically confirmed. Harmful effects are conventionally divided into 3 groups: intrauterine (prenatal), birth (natal) and effects of the first years of life (postnatal).

However, the main causes of the disease include:

• Birth injuries: asphyxia, spinal injuries, internal hemorrhages.
• Infectious diseases of the expectant mother, taking medications.
• Illnesses in childhood accompanied by high fever and the use of potent drugs. 
• Chronic diseases of internal organs, different stages of diabetes, asthma, pneumonia.
• Bad habits of a pregnant woman: smoking, alcoholism, food poisoning, abdominal injuries. 
• Complicated childbirth with the use of stimulants, rapidity or prolongation of labor, cesarean section.

Symptoms of attention deficit

All children suffering from attention deficit disorder experience the same symptoms:

• They find it difficult to concentrate on one activity or subject. Characterized by inattention when performing any task. If you have to do something for a long time, the baby will get bored and distracted. Getting him to focus on one thing is almost impossible.
• When performing a task, the child is distracted by extraneous sounds and other external stimuli. It is difficult for them to sit straight and motionless. The child crawls, moves his arms and legs, and turns his head. When children receive a task, they put it off until last, and without finishing what they started, they start something new.
• Characteristic hyperactivity, which manifests itself in constant movement and talking. They cannot stand in one place. Often such children experience nervous excitement, excitement, tug at their hair, and bite their nails. 
• The actions and gestures of such children are very impulsive. When answering a question, the baby without thinking begins to speak, without even listening to the end of the interlocutor. They easily insert themselves into the conversations of adults they don’t know well and can make inappropriate remarks.

This disease in advanced forms can be accompanied by serious behavioral disturbances, anxiety, depression.

How to treat attention deficit disorder

In foreign practice, psychostimulants are used to treat the disease, which regulate the level of special elements of the brain - neurotransmitters. Medicines can significantly reduce the manifestations of hyperactivity. Stimulants have a large list of contraindications; the dosage should be selected by a doctor, and parents should closely monitor the intake to avoid an overdose.

Less strong drugs – antidepressants – can also reduce a child’s hyperactivity. However, there is a possibility that children may develop suicidal thoughts or other signs of depression when taking medications. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to taking medications only in advanced stages of the disease.

In Russia, the most common is a more gentle complex treatment, which should include:

• Ensuring a clearly planned daily routine for the baby. It is difficult for active children to adapt; clear rules develop their confidence in themselves and the world around them. During the day it is necessary to arrange rest breaks.
• Baby's motor activity non-competitive nature helps to ensure the correct load and reduce nervous excitability. The baby learns to control his body and mind.
• Working with parents to teach their communication style with their child. You need to avoid strict control and punishment, encourage correct behavior, and show your love. When situations of uncontrollable behavior arise, parents should remain calm, give the child a chance to calm down, and then discuss his behavior. 
• When studying at school The teacher must choose the most suitable methods for the child and pay special attention to him. In rare cases, home training is indicated.
• Joint leisure time between parents and children improves the emotional state of the child.

More and more children are suffering from attention deficit disorder. Environmental deterioration, hereditary diseases, and constant exposure to computer technology reduce mental stability, as a result of which children are born with increased excitability. It is difficult for them to control their behavior, but with age the symptoms decrease. Only complex therapy with mild sedatives, relaxation techniques and proper communication techniques in the family can help cope with the problem.