ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s life. The occurrence of ADHD is more common in children. However, if left untreated in early stages then can lead to adult stages. If you want to know what is ADHD and how to prevent ADHD in adults, then read this article thoroughly.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The most common medical condition that affects a person’s behavior is ADHD. This condition can occur in adults but is most common in childhood stages. Moreover, children with ADHD face difficulty in paying attention to important tasks and often feel restless.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms usually vary in children. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Forgetfulness
- Inattention
- Difficulty in paying attention to each detail
- Poor academic learning
- Reduced organizational skills
- Quick distraction
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
Complications of ADHD
Various severe complications can occur if ADHD is not treated, such as:
- Sleep deprivation
- Anxiety and depression
- Extremely reduced self-esteem
- Eating disorders
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble in engaging in social activity
- Loss of passion and interest
- Job instability
How to prevent ADHD during pregnancy?
Different supplements are used for treating ADHD during pregnancy. They can prevent the brain defects of developing fetuses. Vitamin D is very significant in the effective brain development of the child. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to ADHD in pregnancy stages. Mothers should use Vitamin D supplements to prevent ADHD in children.
Additionally, folic acid is also important in the development of neural tubes during pregnancy. Folic acid can prevent various other congenital disabilities including spina bifida and anencephaly. During the early stages of pregnancy, an intake of 600 mcg of folic acid is recommended to avoid any birth defects or ADHD. Along with the folic acid supplements, foods rich in folic acid can serve the same purpose. Beans, broccoli, eggs, nuts, green leafy vegetables, avocado, etc are the best sources of natural folic acid.
Alcohol or Drugs during Pregnancy
Female diet during pregnancy has a strong connection with ADHD disorder. Moreover, excessive use of alcohol and drugs can affect the brain development of developing fetuses. Furthermore, various recent studies have reported the link between drugs and alcohol with ADHD symptoms. Pregnant females should avoid taking alcohol and drugs to prevent their children from ADHD.
Best ways to prevent ADHD
Different treatment procedures are linked with that how to manage ADHD such as:
Medical Consultation
If your child is showing severe symptoms of ADHD, then immediately consult the physician. Before taking any psychotherapy or behavioral therapy, a medical evaluation is best.
Medications
Different types of ADHD medications work in various ways depending on the ADHD type. Furthermore, medications cause the release of chemical messengers in the brain including serotonin and dopamine. Furthermore, different ADHD medications involve stimulants, nonstimulants, antidepressants, and different combined dosages. All play a significant role in adhd treatment for adults.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the specific substances that promote the action of the nervous system. There are two major types of stimulants such as:
Short Acting: As the name indicates, they last for short periods. They cause several changes after being immediately released into the body. However, in some patients, an increase in hunger and a sudden drop in energy levels are reported.
Long-Acting/Intermediate Acting: These stimulants are usually taken in the early morning. Moreover, some stay in the body for about eight hours, while some have a longer lasting duration, approximately 16 hours.
Commonly used stimulants are as follows:
- Vyvanse
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Dyanavel
Nonstimulants: When stimulants cause side effects or are not functional, then nonstimulants can also be used. In addition, they are helpful in the regulation of impulses and concentration.
The most commonly used non-stimulants to treat ADHD include:
- Catapres
- Tenex
- Alpha Agonists
- Atomoxetine
- Viloxazine
Antidepressants: ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Different antidepressants including Effexor, Norpramin, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and Tifranil are used to treat mental issues such as ADHD.
Learn more: ADHD And Sleep Problems: How These Both Are Correlated?
ADHD Treatment in Children
Treating ADHD in children involves the use of different therapeutic procedures. However, If ADHD is left untreated, then it leads to OCD, eating disorders, and gender dysphoria.
Behavioral Therapy
Parenting is the vital key to prevent or treat ADHD. Parents should guide their children in setting their future goals. Furthermore, parents should analyze the behavior of their children. They should give them awards in case of positive behavior so they acquire self-confidence.
Social Skills Training
Children with ADHD usually avoid engaging in social activities. Furthermore, parents should manage their daily schedule and allow them to participate more in social activities. Ultimately they will learn new skills from the treatment and contribute to productive things.
Talk to the Professionals
If you are unable to treat your children with ADHD, then consult with professional experts. They can tell you the best strategies for how you can take care of your child’s health. Moreover, doctors always recommend avoiding medication in the early stages of ADHD. However, psychiatric medication management is suggested in case of severity.
Role of Diet
A proper diet is also effective in preventing any kind of mental health issues. According to some experts, some undesired changes in diet can result in hyperactive behavior in children. Furthermore, sweets and chocolates also play a major role in preventing mood disorders. Different studies have also reported that blood sugar spikes release the adrenaline hormone that lifts the mood. Always make sure to follow a proper diet plan to avoid any health or mental issues.
Balanced Routine
Both children and adults can prevent ADHD by following a structured routine. Early rise with some strenuous activities is essential for maintaining health. Furthermore, participation in extracurricular activities boosts confidence and gives peace of mind.
Protection from Environmental Toxins
Among several toxins, lead and mercury are extremely dangerous as they can affect the brain development of children. Moreover, the probability of ADHD and various other mental disorders is also increased. Additionally, a major source of lead is unhygienic water. It is necessary to take care of hygiene.
Mercury is mostly in the air and released by various industries and oil refineries. It is also present in multiple domestic and dental products. To prevent ADHD, especially in children, the best hygienic measures are required
Conclusion
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain development. Moreover, the onset of this disorder usually occurs in childhood and can persist to adulthood stages. Furthermore, children with ADHD always have trouble paying attention to core tasks. There are different ways to prevent ADHD, including psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, medications, a balanced diet, a daily schedule, talking with experts, and protection from environmental toxins. Moreover, if you want to determine the finest strategies that how to prevent ADHD in adults, communicate with the Renewed Mental Health Group experts. You will get the finest solutions to prevent ADHD.
