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Bunda...bagaimana cara mendeteksi anak dengan gangguan pemusatan konsentrasi (ADHD)

ADHD: What Is It?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that robs children of their ability to focus and pay attention. Kids with ADHD are fidgety and easily distracted. This makes it difficult to stay "on task," whether it's listening to a teacher or finishing a chore. A recent national study reported by the CDC noted that 11% of school aged children are being diagnosed with ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 3% to 5% of kids have ADHD, but some experts believe that figure could be as high as 10%.

ADHD Symptoms: Inattention

The main symptom of ADHD is the inability to pay attention. Kids may have trouble listening to a speaker, following directions, finishing tasks, or keeping track of personal items. They may daydream often and make careless mistakes. Children with ADHD tend to avoid activities that require sustained concentration or that might be boring.

ADHD Symptoms: Hyperactivity

Another component of ADHD is the inability to sit still. Children may run and climb on things constantly, even when indoors. When they are seated, they tend to squirm, fidget, or bounce. Some kids with ADHD talk excessively and find it difficult to play quietly.

ADHD Symptoms: Impulsiveness

A third symptom is impulsiveness -- cutting in line, interrupting others, or blurting out answers before the teacher finishes a question. This aspect of ADHD makes it difficult for children to wait their turn or think before they act.

ADHD's Impact on Daily Life

Without treatment, ADHD can affect a child's development socially and academically. The inability to focus often leads to poor performance in school. Kids who interrupt or cut in line may have trouble making and keeping friends. These setbacks can lead to low self-esteem and risky behaviors. ADHD also increases the risk of childhood depression and anxiety disorders.

Causes of ADHD

Children with ADHD have less activity in areas of the brain that control attention. They may also have imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It's unclear what causes these irregularities, but ADHD runs in families, so many experts believe genetics play a role.

Diagnosing ADHD

There are no lab tests to detect ADHD. Instead, doctors rely on the patient's response to questions, the family's description of behavior problems, and a school assessment. With ADHD, a child must display some combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with his or her age. Onset of the symptoms needs to have appeared by age 12.

Medications for ADHD

Stimulant medications can help increase a child's attention span while controlling hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Studies suggest these drugs work in 70% to 80% of patients, although they may have some troubling side effects. Non-stimulant medications are also options for some children.