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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain condition that has been on the rise in recent years. It is more common in children, but if neglected, adults might continue to exhibit ADHD symptoms that began in infancy. A study states that ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. Some parents have concerns about homoeopathy as an alternative or complementary treatment option.
Causes and symptoms
Researchers are currently investigating the aspects that may contribute to ADHD. However, there is a possibility that this disease is hereditary. In today's fast-paced society, parents frequently fail to provide their children with adequate attention and care, resulting in ADHD.
ADHD symptoms can range from minor to severe. These symptoms often appear before the age of twelve, though they may appear as early as three in some children. Children with ADHD struggle to pay attention, are often distracted, regularly forget to complete everyday responsibilities, may avoid or dislike things that involve mental effort, and have difficulty organising tasks and activities. Other symptoms include hyperactivity and hypersensitivity, such as excessive talking and interrupting other people's conversations.
Impact of ADHD on Children
Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-confidence, school anxiety, troubled relationships, and poor school performance. Some people, however, never totally overcome their ADHD symptoms. However, they can develop efficient strategies.
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It is recommended that you speak with a clinical psychologist or a child psychologist to better understand your child's difficulties and symptoms and to establish an effective and sustainable treatment approach.
Sub types of ADHD in Children
Inattentive ADHD: which was formerly referred to as ADD, displays signs of inattention but neither hyperactivity nor impulsivity.
Hyperactive/ Impulsive ADHD: This subgroup of ADHD is distinguished by impulsivity or hyperactivity rather than inattention.
Combined ADHD: The symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This is the most frequent ADHD subtype.
Difference between Stimulant and Non-stimulant medication
Stimulants are among the most commonly given ADHD treatments. Since the 1960s, they've been utilised to treat attention deficits. They target a type of brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is involved in motivation. It also assists children in controlling their body movements and emotions.
Non-stimulants are a more contemporary option. They target a distinct neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine, which is involved in executive function as well. For example, It teaches children how to control their emotions and start and finish tasks,
Nonstimulants can be quite effective for some ADHD children. However, they do not have the same success rate as stimulants, which operate well in approximately 70% to 80% of cases.
It is not usual for doctors to shift ADHD patients from one type of medication to another. They may do so due to side effects or because the drug isn't producing the expected results. There are further causes.
Here's everything you need to know about why your doctor might prescribe a change and what to expect throughout the transition. However, keep in mind that there are numerous strategies to move from one prescription to another. How it is done varies greatly depending on the circumstances. As a result, it's critical to follow your child's doctor's advice.
Transition to from Stimulant to Non- stimulant medication
Negative side effects are the most common reason doctors recommend discontinuing stimulants in children. Loss of appetite and weight loss are common side effects. Other symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, or tics.
A doctor can additionally recommend the move for teenagers who are more likely to abuse stimulant medicines.
The transition: Quitting stimulants does not usually result in withdrawal symptoms. This is due to the fact that it exits the system quickly. As a result, most children do not need to be progressively weaned off of them. Even after starting their new drug, some doctors will maintain children on a stimulant.
What to expect: When children stop using stimulant medications, their ADHD symptoms will most likely return. So they'll probably act the same way they do when they're not taking it. If children transition without staying on the stimulant, it can take weeks for ADHD symptoms to disappear.
Transition from non-stimulant to stimulant medication
For some children with ADHD, non-stimulant medicine can be quite successful. However, only approximately half of individuals who take them benefit from them. Doctors often convert children to stimulants due to lack of effectiveness. Non-stimulants can also cause excessive drowsiness in certain children.
The Transition: If a child is receiving a low dose of a non-stimulant, their doctor may instruct them to discontinue immediately. If your child has been on a high dose for an extended period of time, the doctor may gradually wean your child off the medicine to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This procedure typically takes a few weeks.
What to expect: Children are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue nonstimulant medicine. They may have temporary anxiety, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, and dizziness if they do. Stimulants work quickly in comparison to non-stimulants.
Parents are sometimes the first to recognise the effects of medication on their child. This includes how effectively it works as well as any adverse effects. Tell your child's doctor about both the positives and negatives you observe.
Last words
Acknowledge that your child's concerns is due to developmental disorder. Although ADHD may not have visible external symptoms, it is a disability and needs to be handled as such. Keep in mind that your child can't "snap out of it" or "just be relaxed and normal" whenever you start to feel angry or agitated.
It looks easy, but keep things in perspective and take each day as it comes. Recognize that, as the parent, you set rules for acceptable behaviour in the house. Be kind and patient at all times, but resist becoming intimidated or bullied by your child's actions when they fail to finish a task.
References
Online Counselling | Online Therapy| Marriage Counsellors | TalktoAngel| Find time for self-care.(n.d.).TalktoAngel. https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/techniques-to-manage-adhd-symptoms-in-children
Treatment & Target Outcomes for Children with ADHD. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org.
Budur, K. (n.d.). Non-Stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000197/
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children - Diagnosis and treatment
Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 25).https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895
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