CAN EVERY ACTIVE CHILD BE DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY)?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity that are inconsistent with the person's age. It is a chronic disorder that begins in pre-school childhood and can progress/observe with different findings in adult life. If left untreated, its symptoms negatively affect the child's academic and social life in almost every area, resulting in intense psychological, social and school problems. According to research, ADHD is a genetic disorder. When negative environmental factors are added to the child's genetic predisposition, a more complex picture may emerge.

DIAGNOSIS CRITERS İ

• Symptoms of attention problems, hyperactivity and impulsivity must be observable

• It must have started before the age of 12

• It must be ongoing for at least 6 months

• It must be seen in more than one environment (home and school)

“Attention deficitği”, difficulty in concentrating on a subject, inability to complete assigned tasks, limited It manifests itself with symptoms of attention deficit and distraction. Children with this disorder lack attention to details and make many mistakes in school and other homework. They continue their work in an unplanned, irregular and chaotic manner. They cannot concentrate on games and similar activities for a long time and have difficulty completing the tasks they start. They appear as if their minds are elsewhere or they do not listen or hear what is being said. They cannot work on schoolwork or any responsibilities assigned to them in the manner specified and expected. Their attention can be easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli.

“Hyperactivity” is manifested by the inability to sit still or fidgeting even when sitting, running around in inappropriate environments or climbing on objects. These children move one after another tirelessly, without listening to warnings. Classroom teachers may complain that such children stand up frequently, want to talk to their friends frequently, and have difficulty remaining quiet and calm. s. The phrase “climbing the straight wall” is appropriate for these children because they jump over sofas and climb into cabinets.

“Impulsivity” is impulsiveness that manifests itself by taking action without considering the consequences of a behavior. Impulsivity manifests itself as impatience, tendency to answer questions without completing them, difficulty in waiting, frequently interrupting others' conversations, interrupting games and engaging in dangerous activities, arguing, fighting, etc. It manifests itself through behaviors such as.

Esebehaviorsh Shapeforms;

• Not being able to use time well

• Disorganization

• Irritability

• Social skill problems

• Clumsiness/coordination difficulties

• Lack of self-confidence

• Sleep problems

• Emotional fluctuations

Eshity Caused Mental Disorders:

• Specific learning disability

• Oppositional defiant disorder

• Conduct disorder

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Tic, Tourette disorder

Environmental Factors;

• Similar symptoms in the family

• Domestic stress, violence

• Traumas

Treatment methods;

There are multifaceted treatment types that include psychosocial and medical interventions in the treatment of ADHD:

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• Drug treatment

(Decided and monitored by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist)

• Parent education

(Parent education and regulation of the home environment to regulate the child's behavior)

• Training of teachers

(Ensuring close contact and cooperation with the school-guidance service-teacher)

• Cognitive-Behavioral� �Occupational Therapies

• Experiential Play Therapy

RECOMMEND TO PARENTSIS

Families trying to cope with their child's attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder may feel a sense of inadequacy, hopelessness and sadness.

• After such feelings begin to arise in parents, mothers and fathers often approach each other in a blaming manner, thinking that there is a mistake in the way the child is raised. Unfortunately, this state of tension within the family, inconsistent and unloving behavior will slow down the process of trying to cope with ADHD. It can be overloaded without it. Suppression and burdening often do not benefit families and children.

• Instead of focusing on the behavior that children exhibit, which is called a problem, we should ask why they do that behavior, how they do it and under what conditions (are there environmental factors? One should try to find answers to the questions 'does he/she do it?' When you set out to understand a child's behavior by focusing on these questions, you will both feel and understand your child better and your perspective on finding solutions will expand.

• Rules must be taught at home and at school, where is the child? He/she should know that he/she must stop and what the price (not punishment) will be if he/she does not stop.

• The child should be given responsibilities appropriate to his/her age and development level and should be approved and appreciated appropriately.

• The family and the teacher, who constantly expose the child to warnings, interventions, and constantly try to stop him, have now reinforced the child's negative behavior. His positive actions have become invisible. Every positive behavior of the child should be seen and appreciated so that these will be reinforced...

• An average of 30 minutes of time should be spent with the child every day. One-on-one time such as games, activities, and board games is needed in an age-appropriate manner.

• Reward strategy is a useful method, but the positive behaviors that are desired to be instilled in children who are overwhelmed with too many rewards are needed. On the contrary, negative behaviors can be seen. Things to consider when rewarding children;

What is useful as a reward? / What does your child like?

Do you use the reward as a bribe?

At a young age, the reward can be given immediately after the behavior, but it should be given at a certain time. It is important.

As age increases, rewards should be changed from concrete to abstract. Therefore, it is beneficial for all parents to know the developmental processes of their children (emotional, physical, sexual).

RELATED TO ADHD H ISMETLERIMIZ strong>

There are multiple studies conducted at our Center on children diagnosed with ADHD. Counseling is provided according to the needs of the child and the family, an appropriate home and living space is created, correct behavior is taught to the parent, and a therapy method suitable for the child is applied.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Experiential Play Therapy (Ages 2-9)

Parental Consultancy

Mind Games Workshop

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