What is ADHD and how it differs from mental illness

Have you heard about a term called ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a complicated medical condition. A person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. The disorder is infamous amongst toddlers and school children. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.

Now, don’t jump to the conclusions right away. It does not turn children into psychopaths. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a behaviour disorder. ADHD is not a mental illness. ADHD is not a specific learning disability. It is, instead, a developmental impairment of the brain’s self-management system, its executive functions. It is just a condition where in a person finds it difficult to concentrate and shows hyperactivity. There’s no known cure for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but several options can help manage it. Treatments range from behavioural intervention to prescribed medication. In many cases, medication alone is an effective treatment for ADHD. ADHD can improve when kids get treatment, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and exercise, and have supportive parents who know how to respond to ADHD. It’s not clear what causes the brain differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There’s strong evidence that it is mostly inherited. Many kids who have it, have a parent or relative with it. ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, poor parenting, or eating too much sugar.

The disorder affects 4-5% of children every year. The exact reason for it is still within the covers. However, there are many researchers working to know more about the disorder and discover ways to cure it. One such ongoing research is carried out by Robert Volpe, associate professor in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Volpe’s research involves assessing the academic problems children with ADHD experience, to analyse the new guidelines. He gave an interview at Northeastern University.

The major drawback in treating ADHD is its late diagnosis. People tend to ignore the mental condition. However, it is necessary to keep an open eye, especially when kids are considered.

Shraddha Patil