It’s not uncommon to see cases of parents who don’t know what to do with a child who simply can’t focus on things. The so-called attention deficit in children can happen for many reasons and requires special treatment, which combines medication, therapy, and the parents’ role as a key element so the child can lead a normal life. But despite so many concerns, it’s important to understand that attention deficit is not something so complicated, nor does it require as much effort as many imagine, and it can be easily controlled when the treatment is carried out properly.

What is Attention Deficit?

The attention deficit disorder, also known as ADHD, is a type of psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme difficulty in concentrating on a particular subject, accompanied by other symptoms such as hyperactivity, for example. This disorder is not as uncommon as one might think, affecting between 3% and 6% of children these days, considering children over the age of 5, since up until that age distraction is more common. But although that number may seem high, not all of these cases require intensive treatments that involve medication. Most of the time, good psychological care with therapy sessions can solve the problem. There isn’t a specific cause for the development of the disorder, though it is known to occur due to a dysfunction between areas of the cerebral cortex. Basically, what happens is that neurotransmitters function incorrectly when the brain requires them to work harder because of a situation that demands concentration, like reading, for example. People with ADHD end up having difficulties precisely because of this dysfunction that happens in the brain.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit

It’s not difficult to identify the symptoms of attention deficit in children, even though only a specialized doctor can give an accurate diagnosis to determine if the child actually has the disorder. Some of the main symptoms of attention deficit are:

  • Restlessness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Frequent forgetfulness
  • Learning difficulties
  • Impulsiveness
  • Depression

It is important to remember that only with an accurate diagnosis made by a specialist doctor can the correct exam be indicated for each case. And precisely because this is a disease where the diagnosis is very delicate, one should not try to find cures on their own, as treatment can vary greatly from person to person.

How Attention Deficit in Children Can Hinder

When a child suffers from attention deficit disorder and doesn’t get the appropriate treatment, several consequences can occur at different levels and phases of life. We can divide these consequences into three groups to explain more clearly how it can affect a child’s life. These three groups are:

  • At Home
  • At School
  • In the Future

Each of these three topics can be affected in different ways by attention deficit in children and therefore needs a separate explanation.

At Home

Many times, ADHD treatment requires action from parents at home. Problems like fights, difficulty carrying out certain types of tasks, and frequent distractions can occur if proper treatment for the disorder does not take place. Keeping the environment organized and maintaining an open dialogue with a child who has attention deficit are great pathways for effective treatment.

At School

Many parents only realize their child might suffer from ADHD when problems start occurring at school. The main problems the disorder can cause in this context are difficulty learning and trouble socializing due to symptoms like aggression and impulsiveness that the disorder can also bring. In this case, a doctor may suggest that part of the treatment be carried out with the family together with teachers and school staff so that the child can improve both academically and socially in their life.

In the Future

When attention deficit disorder in children is not properly treated, various problems may arise for them throughout their lives. The difficulty in socializing, for example, can lead to depression manifesting more strongly in these individuals. Not treating the disorder can lead to several other social and psychological problems, such as anxiety disorder, for example. ADHD is a serious disorder that requires precise and sometimes complex treatment. But the lack of information many parents have often makes them think that just because their child is sometimes distracted, they may suffer from attention deficit. Therefore, it’s always important to stress that distraction and attention deficit are completely different things and should never be confused, as this can cause confusion in the child’s life and generate unnecessary stress. The main tip is: If you suspect your child might be suffering from the disorder, seek out a specialist doctor to get the correct diagnosis. That way, any treatments that need to be done can happen in the right manner. See also: Hyperactive Child Photo: isakarakus