Explore Child ADHD: Uncovering Causes and Solutions

Some children struggle with child-rearing. They can often be distracted, but they tend to focus more on what they like than other children. However, if they have less concentration than their peers, display inconsistent behavior, or are excessively distracted, it may be necessary to suspect 'Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder' or ADHD.

If ADHD in children and adolescents is not treated, it can transition into adult ADHD, increasing parents' concerns. So, how can we determine whether our child has ADHD or just an active personality?



Definition and Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a pediatric mental disorder that primarily occurs in childhood, featuring major symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity. Attention deficit and hyperactivity may occur simultaneously, or one may appear alone. In most cases, the attention span shortens, and excessive activity and impulsivity are shown. Because these symptoms can continue into adulthood if left untreated, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. It is difficult for ADHD patients to selectively focus on stimuli, and they do not easily correct themselves even when reprimanded. Also, they often have a high activity level, such as constantly moving their arms and legs, and often speak or act more than expected.

It is known that approximately 3-8 out of 100 elementary school students have ADHD, with about three times more boys affected than girls. The incidence is highest in the 2nd and 3rd grades of elementary school. Furthermore, according to a study by Seoul City and Seoul National University Hospital, 6-8% of children and adolescents under the age of 19 are affected by ADHD. ADHD is characterized by attention deficit, distractibility, excessive activity, and impulsivity. These behaviors can make maintaining discipline difficult and trigger emotional responses, leading to negative reactions in group settings such as kindergarten and elementary school. The exact cause of onset has not yet been confirmed, but there is a hypothesis that a decline in the function of the brain's frontal lobe may be the cause. While some believe that ADHD occurs depending on parenting methods, it is more commonly viewed as a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs congenitally due to genetic or environmental factors. As such, experts recommend that parents maintain a continuous interest in their child and accurately understand the child's condition through self-diagnosis.

Typically, it often naturally disappears between the ages of 12 and 20, but some people continue to have symptoms into adulthood. In adulthood, hyperactivity tends to improve, but difficulties with concentration and impulse control may persist, which can affect interpersonal relationships and work capabilities.



ADHD Symptoms

ADHD symptoms may not significantly differ from those of normal children in new or stimulating environments, or scenarios where an individual's free behavior is possible. This is due to a characteristic of excellent concentration on new stimuli and curiosity. However, ADHD symptoms are more apparent in individual situations than in situations where other people's demands or behavioral rules are set, or where multiple people interact. People with ADHD have difficulty focusing attention and tend to be easily distracted by minor stimuli. As a result, when listening to someone else's speech, if they hear other sounds, their gaze easily moves, and it's difficult for them to focus on one place for a long time.

The symptoms of attention deficit have the following characteristics: weak attention concentration, easily distracted by external stimuli, difficulty in finishing tasks, zoning out into other thoughts, and often forgetting to write notes or things. Even if sitting at the desk during study time, the actual amount of study is small, and social interaction is difficult.

Overactive symptoms include getting up and running around without permission, fidgeting with hands and feet, interrupting others' conversations recklessly, or not being able to wait their turn. Also, it includes behavior such as speaking out of context, excessively immersing in TV or video games, taking risky actions, or being stubborn.

The symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the situation and do not always appear. There is also a form called 'Quiet ADHD'. This refers to children who are obedient but lack concentration. These children are difficult to diagnose at home because they do not show unstable or aggressive behavior during study time.

Children with ADHD can focus better on what they like than their peers, so parents may mistakenly think there is no problem with their child's concentration, and as a result, they may miss the opportunity for early treatment.

Children with ADHD can receive a lot of negative feedback from their surroundings, which can lead to a loss of self-esteem and confidence. In addition, they may struggle to form relationships with their peers, or their learning abilities may be affected by a lack of focus.



ADHD Checklist

<Attention Deficit>

  1. Frequently makes careless mistakes in daily life.
  2. Lacks focus in studies, work, or play.
  3. Appears not to listen to others' conversations.
  4. Sometimes fails to follow instructions.
  5. Struggles to organize tasks or activities systematically.
  6. Avoids or dislikes activities that require mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework.
  7. Easily loses necessary items.
  8. Easily distracted by stimuli in the surrounding environment.

<Hyperactivity-Impulsivity>

  1. Unable to sit still, constantly moves hands and feet.
  2. Has difficulty staying in one place, even in situations that require concentration.
  3. May run around in public places or engage in dangerous behavior.
  4. Struggles with quiet play or cannot engage in quiet activities.
  5. Is constantly moving, like a 'toy with a motor'.
  6. Speaks quickly and excessively.
  7. Blurts out answers before the question is finished.
  8. Struggles to wait for turns.

ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment employs a combination of medication and non-medication methods. Medication therapy is highly effective for ADHD, with about 75% of patients showing improvement. This results in enhanced concentration, memory, and learning ability, as well as increased interest and motivation, which improve performance. Additionally, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity decrease, and a positive attitude towards parents and teachers increase.

Remember that it is challenging to solve all problems with drug therapy alone, so parents, family, and school teachers need to create a therapeutic environment through education. Parents need to have an accurate understanding of ADHD through parent education and learn how to help their child. Self-regulation training is also necessary for the child to manage their impulses.