Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and presents persistent problems such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and can range from mild, to moderate or severe, often continuing into adulthood. This condition is often more prevalent in males.
ADHD is categorised into 3 subtypes:
Predominantly inattentive: Most symptoms show inattention.
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive: Most symptoms show hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Combined: The symptoms are a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Children who are predominantly inattentive may often:
Fail to pay close attention to details resulting in careless mistakes in school or work
Lose focus in tasks or play
Not be listening when addressed directly
Not be able to follow instructions thereby failing to finish school work or chores
Fail to organize tasks and activities
Avoid tasks that require concentration and mental focus
Keep losing items at home or school
Be easily distracted
Be forgetful
Hyperactive and impulsive children on the other hand may:
Fidget or squirm
Not sit still at all
Be always on the go that is in constant motion
Run around or climb when not appropriate
Not remain quiet and talk too much
Blurt out answers out of turn often interrupting the questioner
Interrupt or intrude on others' conversations, games or activities
While the exact cause for ADHD is not known, research continues and attributes the cause to possible factors such as genetics, the environment or problems with the central nervous system at key moments in fetal development.
Research has also revealed that the risk
factors for ADHD may include:
A blood relative with ADHD or another mental disorder
Exposure to environmental toxins — such as lead, sometimes found in paint and pipes in older buildings
Mothers using drugs, drinking alcohol or smoking during pregnancy
Premature birth
Life can often get complicated for children with ADHD, who:
Struggle with their studies and are challenged by academic failure
Are prone to more accidents and injuries than normal children
Have poor self-esteem
Are poorer at social Interaction
More prone to drug and alcohol abuse and other delinquent behavior
Parents can reduce their child's risk of ADHD by:
Avoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs that can seriously hamper fetal development during pregnancy
Protecting their child from exposure to pollutants and toxins such as lead paint and cigarette smoke
Limit exposure to TV and video games in the first five years of life.
ADHD needs a medical diagnosis and can be managed over time with medication and Counseling.
The Mindful Moon Lamp can also increase your child's focus and concentration. It taps into the calming properties of lunar energy to help reduce anxiety and stress promoting sleep and better productivity in general.