ADHD and Children. And Adults. And Children
By Sara Butler
The world is a more neurodiverse place these days. As a result, more people are identified with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more treatment options are becoming available all the time -- treatments like chiropractic care.
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you may have a lot of questions. What is ADHD? How is it treated? How can the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic help? Knowledge is power, which is why arming yourself with the answers to this question and more is so important.
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. In many cases, children are diagnosed rather early in life, but it’s not uncommon for the diagnosis of ADHD to be delayed into adulthood, either.
People with ADHD may be easily distracted and have difficulty paying attention. They also struggle with impulse control or are very active.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
It’s one thing to say that those with ADHD struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but what does that look like in everyday life? Some of the symptoms of ADHD include:
- Problems paying attention
- Too much energy that results in talking too much or moving too much
- Acting in impulsive ways without thinking things through or having problems controlling themselves
ADHD does not look the same in every person. One person may have problems with inattention while others struggle with impulsivity or hyperactivity. Sometimes people display all the behaviors, or only a few.
For those who have problems with inattention, you may notice things such as them making careless mistakes during tasks or, conversely, paying very close attention to details -- almost to the point of getting bogged down by them. They may also have problems maintaining their attention for tasks that take a long time or listening when someone is speaking directly to them. They also have difficulty with following instructions, organization, and managing their time. They’re easily distracted as well.
Those who present with issues falling into the category of hyperactivity and impulsivity, you may notice excessive talking, fidgeting, or answering questions before they’ve been asked completely. They may also have problems interrupting people, waiting in line, or simply being unable to participate quietly in activities.
Warning Signs Your Child Has ADHD
ADHD diagnoses can be difficult in all people, but especially when it comes to kids. That’s because the behaviors displayed by children with ADHD are also common childhood behaviors. Some things to look for in your child that may warrant further evaluation include:
- Talking too much
- Problems waiting their turn
- Daydreaming too much
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Losing things or forgetting them frequently
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Problems getting along with others
- A difficult time resisting temptation
You know your child better than anyone, so if they’re displaying behaviors or warning signs that have you worried they may have ADHD, then have them evaluated by a medical professional.
What Can Be Done to Treat ADHD?
Most of the time, treatment for ADHD includes behavior therapy in combination with ADHD medications. Most of the time, behavioral therapy is the first thing to try before medication.
Can Chiropractic Care Treat ADHD?
Let’s be clear: chiropractic care will not cure ADHD. Chiropractic care can help address issues that may be related to some symptoms of some ailments, but there doesn’t appear to be any clear connection yet between chiropractic and treatment for symptoms of ADHD.
Chiropractic care is completely natural and does a number of things, which include helping achieve optimal range of motion, reducing or eliminating pain, and optimizing the function of the central nervous system. It is the impact on the nervous system that can have a positive impact on the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. If there is any connection between chiropractic care and mitigating symptoms of ADHD, it would be along this avenue.
How Many Children and Adults Are Affected by ADHD?
Millions of people in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD in children is about 9.8 percent, which is about 6 million kids. As well, it is estimated that around 8 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD, but there is a large portion of adults who are not aware they have it. Studies estimate that as many as 20 percent of adults with ADHD aren’t aware they suffer from it.
If you suspect you have ADHD or that your child does, the best place to start is by talking to your healthcare provider, who can refer you to the proper place to begin the process of being diagnosed with ADHD.
When Are People Typically Diagnosed With ADHD?
In most cases, ADHD is diagnosed in children and adolescents because the symptoms cause disruptions in school or become problematic in completing schoolwork.
Some people are not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood for various reasons. It could be that their symptoms were not recognized by parents and teachers when they were young, they have a mild form of the disorder, or they simply were able to cope with their symptoms on their own until adult demands were placed upon them, such as demands in the workplace.
How Does ADHD Affect Children and Schoolwork?
School is most often the place where ADHD makes itself first known because of the way it can impact a student’s ability to listen in class, focus, and even put forth the effort needed into their work. It can also make it difficult for a child to sit still in class or refrain from talking too much to those around them. It’s also not uncommon for ADHD to present with other learning differences that can cause problems in school.
More and more is being learned every day about ADHD and new approaches toward its treatment. Options such as chiropractic care can be utilized to potentially help manage symptoms. If you are a parent of a child with ADHD or an adult with ADHD, you should explore treatment options that work best for you and your family. Talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today about how chiropractic may help with ADHD symptoms as a key part of your overall treatment plan.
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