# What is ADHD

- Link: https://www.alquimedez.com/what-is-adhd
- Published: 2021-09-10T08:42:15+00:00
- Author: alquimedezhemo

Henry Montero, LMHC, CASAC-2, CTTS

**Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling**
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The acronym ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is one 
of the most common mental health concerns that predominantly affects children.

ADHD impacts 8.4% of children and 2.5% adults in the United States. The first signs
of the disorder may manifest when children are in school and often come across during
their activities in school.

**Symptoms**
 General symptoms of the disorder include the inability to focus, periods
of hyperactivity and onset of impulsiveness. Kids who have ADHD may show one or 
more of these signs. It is important to note that most children are prone to struggle
in school at one point or another, which makes identification of ADHD more difficult.
If their problems persist, then the likelihood of ADHD occurring is real.

We will discuss each of these mental health issues in greater detail below.

**Inattentiveness**
 Kids can be easily distracted when they are in school, playing
sports or doing daily activity. Children with ADHD suffer from this issue more than
the norm. For example, if their parent or teacher is instructing them, they will
be unable to process these directions properly.

Furthermore, they may also be unable to finish mundane tasks. Such children are 
also likely to daydream frequently. While this may be seen as being absent-minded,
those responsible should be vigilant if these symptoms continue.

**Impulsiveness**
 This trait is defined as acting before thinking. Children with
ADHD may be impatient and do things out of turn as well. This is another instance
where logic dictates that parents and teachers must be careful, primarily because
most children do things without seeking permission or when it’s not their turn. 
Impulsiveness may also include zealous or emotional reactions that may be considered
too severe for a given scenario.

**Hyperactivity**
 Restlessness and frequent boredom are two examples of hyperactivity
in children with ADHD. They may find it extremely difficult to stay in one place
for long periods. This may affect their demeanor in school and at home also. Like
other symptoms, hyperactivity can also be quite disruptive for those who inhabit
the same space.

**Causes**
 Although extensive research has not determined the precise reasons why
ADHD occurs, there is evidence that suggests that the mental health disorder may
transpire because of several different reasons.

For example, children may have ADHD because it is hereditary. This means that the
issue runs in the family. Another reason that is touted by researchers is that ADHD
may happen due to a chemical imbalance.

Similarly, changes that occur in the brain can also lead to ADHD. There are specific
areas in the brain that control a person’s ability, or in this case inability to
pay attention. If there is a compromise in their cognitive ability, they may begin
showing signs of ADHD eventually.

Moreover, decisions made during pregnancy can have a detrimental impact on newborn
children. For instance, a mother who indulge in unhealthy habits like smoking, consumption
of alcohol and even drugs may be irreparably damaging their babies. The child’s 
brain may begin to suffer before they are even born!