A Paper Presented By Pharm. Lotanna Alaebo At Opinions From Africa Research Department (#ResearchwithPet)- During An Online Conference On Learning Disabilities Encountered By Children.
Host – Jidechukwu Angela Nwabueze
INTRODUCTION
As the name implies, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by impulsive behaviour and/or lack of concentration/paying attention by an individual, in this case, a child in learning process.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified as a disability under special education in some countries. This is to further clarify the point one of us here tried to make some days ago. Another point to note is that ADHD is a chronic disorder. In other words, it can last for years, or even for a lifetime.
CAUSES OF ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
There is no clear description as to the cause of ADHD, but several researches has implicated the deficiency in certain neurotransmitters that act on the brain to regulate and control emotion, as well as maintaining attention.
For the benefit of those that may not know what neurotransmitters are, they are chemicals which move to certain parts of body organs to perform functions.
Particularly, the implicated neurotransmitter is Norepinephrine. Also, others include Dopa and Dopamine (both are elementary materials that get to form Norepinephrine. They also perform other functions asides synthesis of norepinephrine)
There are risk factors that could lead to this disorder:
- Hereditary: ADHD, being a mental disorder can be genetically inherited and transferred to offspring.
- Exposure to toxins: Certain chemicals present in air, water or food (such as Lead metal) can get into the system and cause alterations that manifests into ADHD.
- Premature Born: Children born prematurely may not have fully developed nervous systems, and ADHD can result from underdevelopment.
- Maternal drug use during pregnancy: Use of certain drugs or consumption of alcohol by women in gestation can hamper the foetal development, and can ultimately result to several disorders to the unborn child, ADHD also a possible one
Why is ADHD important to note as a learning disability?
This is because it’s characterized by lack of focus which is a key to learning.
CHARACTERISTICS AND POSSIBLE SIGNS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
Many people actually have ADHD without knowing so, as ADHD patients can still live and lead a normal lifestyle while tackling accompanying challenges. However, it’s important to note that it’s of three major types:
- Inattentive: when the person only displays lack of concentration
- Hyperactive/impulsive: when the person is only impulsive
- Combined: when it’s a mix of inattentiveness and being impulsive.
This can lead to the individual displaying signs such as:
- Low self esteem
- Troubled relationships
- Difficulty at school
- Temper issues
- Absent mindedness amongst others
DIAGNOSIS
It can be diagnosed by medical examination conducted by a psychiatrist.
TREATMENT
Like most disorders, there are non-drug treatments for ADHD. Also, there are drugs used as well.
Non-drug therapy treatment for ADHD
- Support group for people with conditions would help the mental state of the patients.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy can help the child to be more focused and easily remember things learnt.
- Counseling psychology comes in handy for those who display more of hyperactivity and impulsivity, so as to try checking them as regards.
Drug therapy treatment for ADHD
- Stimulants, cognition enhancers and, in some cases, antihypertensives can be used as prescribed by a trained physician (it’s important not to encourage self medication, as it may worsen the case, if not properly evaluated).
NB: the condition is not curable, but can be outgrown by 2/3 of patients having the condition from infancy.
CONCLUSION
Noting that this is a disorder that most people probably have without realizing, it’s important that we create awareness as regards these conditions, so children don’t keep getting condemned for it, but be encouraged and helped, be it ADHD or any other disability.
