Due to the
medical advancement, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in
children is widely known and getting more attention from the public.
As a child and
adolescent psychiatrist, I have treated many children with ADHD. I would like
to take this opportunity to congratulate children with ADHD who achieved their
success in studying and now have a better quality of life which make their
parents proud.
How many children with ADHD are there?
Around 5% of
children across the world have symptoms of ADHD. The Department of Mental
Health conducted a survey and revealed that there are 8% of children with ADHD
in Thailand. However, only a few children have been treated or received medical
services. In fact, ADHD can be cured, and the treatment result is effective.
What causes ADHD?
What are the children with ADHD like?
They are like
normal children, but there are some differences which are:
·
Inattention
Children with ADHD are unable to stay focused on what they are doing, for
example lack of concentration while studying; being distracted and unable to do
homework or finish work on time; writing slowly; changing their attention
easily; poor handwriting; doing something fast without care, etc. Therefore, a
lot of children with ADHD encounter the academic underachievement.
·
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Some parents revealed that their children have been mischievous since they
learnt how to walk; would rather run than stay still; clamber up to a high
place; talk a lot; interrupt others while they are speaking; are unable to wait
and moody. Such problems affect the way of raising and teaching them properly
as they cannot control themselves as good as other children do. Scolding or
punishment can control their mischief for only a short period of time. The same
problems can arise again and make their parents stressed and tired of what
happened because they have taught them, but they do not bear in mind.
Why do children with ADHD need to be
treated?
Attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Therefore, its
symptoms influence their quality of life in many aspects, including learning,
behaviours, emotions, self-discipline and self-control, as well as causing
difficulty in educating them. Besides, other problems like learning outcomes
that are below standard, mischief, refusal to do what their parents tell,
having a temper and conflicts with others, as well as the problem of academic
underachievement have effect on their lives in the short and long runs.
How does a psychiatrist treat them?
According to
the MTA study on children with ADHD which was published worldwide, the
efficient ADHD treatment methods are the use of medications together with the
behavioural improvement. The medications used for ADHD treatment are safe and
produce an incredible result. It will increase an amount of neurotransmitter
called dopamine that controls concentration and behaviours to be at the same
level of those of normal children. In addition, a psychiatrist will give some
advice to parents on how to raise and teach them properly in accordance with
their age and physical development, as well as behavioural development in terms
of learning, practice of self-discipline, social skill enhancement,
communication with family members and self-esteem promotion.
Which criteria are used by a psychiatrist
for evaluating the ADHD treatment result?
1.
Intelligence quotient and learning
capability
2.
Emotional quotient: Children who are
in a good mood, able to wait and diligent, as well as having self-discipline,
social skills and self-esteem have high potential in self-adjustment.
3.
The way that parents look after
their children with ADHD enables to develop their positive behaviours, for
example enhancing social skills, generosity, good manners, morals and ethical
behaviours, as well as learning to spend free time in a useful way. Therefore,
the adaptation of all family members and children with ADHD is regarded as a
power that can strengthen their family.
4.
There are no other diseases other
than ADHD, for example learning disabilities, mischief, resistance, aggression,
depression, and game or drug addiction.
5.
A class teacher, other teachers and
classmates do not make children with ADHD feel stigmatised.
6.
Make regular doctor visits and
follow up treatment.
Children with ADHD can develop their learning capability if they are well cherished by all sectors, including their family, school and society. As a result, family members and other related persons play major roles in mental and behavioural development of children with ADHD.