Know more About ADHD Medication

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children all around the world. It is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. It becomes a barrier to executive functioning, which can be described as the ability to plan, remember instructions, and complete tasks.

Scientists have studied the causes of ADHD to find better ways to manage and minimize the chances of having it. However, the study is still in process. So far it suggests that genetics play an important role. In addition, these are some of the possible causes:

• Brain injury
• Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents usually get stressed figuring out the best treatment for them. There are plenty of treatments available, but which one suits the best differs for each child and family. Along with the intervention with medicine, training the brain to focus and be motivated helps to cope with ADHD immensely. It is highly recommended for the parents to coordinate with others involved closely in their child’s life, it can be a healthcare provider or therapist, teachers, coaches, friends, and relatives. This may help them observe and evaluate their child’s behavior keenly.

Motivation is the best treatment

Children with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and poor performance in school. This makes them vulnerable and emotionally delicate. They have low levels of dopamine which is basically the hormone linked with happiness, also known as the happy hormone. Therefore, they need to be rewarded frequently and kept motivated until they master the technique of self-motivation and learn to keep themselves in order.

Moreover, identifying the technique of self-motivation prepares children for long-term achievement. Human brains are complex, it is a tricky and difficult skill to master and therefore necessitates significant family effort.

Medications can boost their performance by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This enhances their attention span as well as their ability to focus.

However, in the long run, this may not be the best choice. In order to heal from within, a child having ADHD must be self-motivated. They require the happiness and motivation that comes from within, rather than any temporary external source such as medicine.

How can I help my child as a parent?

Children with ADHD can’t keep themselves dedicated to activities that require a lot of effort without an immediate reward. Therefore, getting themselves to study for an exam month in advance is challenging for them. They engage themselves in more immediate and rewarding tasks, such as sports games.

Supportive gestures

The identification of ways to motivate your child can do wonders. A child’s entire attitude may change with small gestures from his/her loved ones. A child may comparatively spend a happy and energetic day when his father tickles him awake. It may not work for all children yet some desire the fun, arousal of energy, and connection with their loved ones. This form of motivation is known as “Extrinsic Motivation”. It motivates children with ADHD to perform tasks by boosting their energy levels and confidence. A child may not enjoy a particular task yet feel energetic enough to accomplish it because of this intervention. Parents can actually make their children with ADHD study for exams by establishing a reward system and appreciating them for their efforts. Extrinsic motivation provides them a reason to do something which ultimately makes them productive.

Quality time and positive reinforcement

The quality time invested by the parents will also help maintain a positive attitude and reduce the attention-seeking behavior of a child. Break down work for them. Try turning their regular chores into small enjoyable tasks with a reward in the end. You can give your child a small checklist of what needs to be done instead of commanding them to do so. For example, you can make a checklist of stuff like cleaning the bed and folding clothes rather than saying “clean your mess “and reward your child with some ice cream for dessert. Breaking down work into smaller, more manageable portions is the best way to encourage a child to do something without being a burden on him. It’s a win-win situation. Setting small, more attainable goals for them and applying positive reinforcement by incorporating healthy habits into their lifestyle such as exercise is also a great head start.

Life may seem exhausting and extremely challenging for children having ADHD, yet every cloud has a silver lining. Being different doesn’t limit your achievements. It strengthens and prepares you to seek things beyond limits. Individuals with ADHD have an unbounded imagination and creativity. Their compassion and keen observation is remarkable. Why fit in when you can stand out?