ADHD treatment: Counselling for Children

ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it affects the way the brain develops and functions. While it is most commonly diagnosed in children, ADHD can also affect adults. The condition is often treated with a combination of medication and behavioural therapy, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for those with ADHD.

However, there is still much that is not understood about the causes and ADHD treatment, and more research is needed to better understand this complex condition. Despite this, children with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives with the right support from child psychologists and family. Well, before you go looking for a 'child psychologist near me', learn the symptoms, and treatment methods.

Noticeable symptoms of ADHD in children

ADHD is more common in boys than in girls, with a ratio of approximately 3:1. It is also more common in children of lower socio-economic status and in children who have other medical or mental health conditions.

Inattention is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing on a task or activity for an extended period of time and may be easily distracted by external stimuli. They may also have difficulty organizing their thoughts and tasks and may struggle to follow through on instructions or complete tasks.

Impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD. Children with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their impulses and may act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. They may be prone to interrupting others, blurting out inappropriate comments, or making impulsive decisions.

Hyperactivity is the third symptom of ADHD. A child with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still and may fidget constantly. They may have a hard time engaging in quiet activities and may constantly be on the go.

In addition to inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, there are a number of other symptoms that may be associated with ADHD in children. These can include:

1. Low self-esteem: Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem and feel self-conscious about their symptoms or behaviour.
2. Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships: Children with ADHD may have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships and may struggle to fit in with their peers.
3. Difficulty regulating emotions: Children with ADHD may have difficulty regulating their emotions and may experience mood swings or outbursts.
4. Difficulty with time management: Children with ADHD may struggle with time management and may have difficulty meeting deadlines or completing tasks on time.
5. Difficulty with organization and planning: Children with ADHD may have difficulty organizing their thoughts and tasks and may struggle to plan ahead.

It's important to note that not all children with ADHD will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary widely from child to child. It's also important to remember that ADHD is a complex disorder and that the symptoms may manifest differently in different children. If you think your child may have ADHD, it's important to speak with child psychologists to determine the best course of treatment.

Diagnosis of ADHD in Children

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is typically made by a mental health professional, preferably child psychologists, after a thorough evaluation. The evaluation process for ADHD may include the following steps:

Physical exam: The child psychologist will conduct a physical exam to rule out any physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Review of medical and family history: They will ask questions about the child's medical and family history to help identify any possible contributing factors to the symptoms.

Tests and assessments: The psychologist may use a variety of tests and assessments to evaluate the child's symptoms and functioning. These may include behavioural assessments, cognitive assessments, and questionnaires for parents and teachers.

Diagnostic criteria: The professional will use the diagnostic criteria for ADHD outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine whether the child meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

It's important to note that the evaluation process for ADHD can be time-consuming and may involve multiple visits to a mental health clinic. It's also important to remember that ADHD is a complex disorder and that the diagnosis process may not always be straightforward. If you think your child may have ADHD, it's important to speak with a child psychologist. At Skooc, we offer the best counselling for children and teens in India.

Early diagnosis of ADHD is important because it can lead to earlier treatment and can improve outcomes for children with the condition. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to problems with learning, behaviour, and self-esteem, and can significantly impact a child's ability to function in school and in social situations. With the right support and accommodations, however, children with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.

ADHD Treatment in India

Behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Behavioural therapy involves working with a therapist to identify and change negative behaviours and develop coping strategies to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

There are several different types of behavioural therapy that may be used to treat ADHD in children, including:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping the child to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Parent training: Parent training involves working with parents to teach them strategies for managing their child's behaviour and reinforcing positive behaviours.

Social skills training: Social skills training helps children with ADHD to develop the skills they need to interact effectively with others and form positive relationships.

Organizational skills training: Organizational skills training helps children with ADHD to develop skills for organizing their thoughts, tasks, and materials, and can improve their ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Behavioural therapy is typically conducted on a regular basis, such as weekly sessions, and may involve both individual and group therapy sessions. It's important to note that behavioural therapy is typically most effective when combined with medication, and a combination of medication and behavioural therapy is often the most effective treatment approach for ADHD in children.

Useful Resources:

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When to take my kid to a Child Psychologist?

Child Psychologist near me