Attention deregulation
The name “attention deficit disorder” is somewhat misleading, and it is more accurate to refer to this condition as attention deregulation. People with attention problems are unable to control their attention consistently, causing them to lose track of time, misplace their keys, and blurt out ideas that are completely unrelated to the task at hand. In most cases, they can successfully manage their attention spans at certain points, but they may not be able to control their behavior consistently throughout the day.
A child with attention deregulation is not a rebellious or antisocial child. He or she is, motivated and wants to please others and follow the rules. Children with attention deregulation have a different mind from other children, and they must exert extra effort to maintain their focus. These children often need explicit instruction to focus.
The causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other attention-related disorders are largely unknown, but they share some common characteristics. Both are marked by differences in brain chemistry and structure, and can affect adults and children of any age. The most common symptoms include difficulty completing tasks, easily distracted, and forgetting daily activities. In addition, these individuals often experience emotional hyperarousal and rejection sensitivity.
Emotion regulation involves orienting to emotionally salient stimuli and evaluating the reward signals that accompany them. Specifically, the posterior attention systems are responsible for detecting salient stimuli and signaling when attention need to control these signals. Healthy individuals exhibit enhanced early sensory encoding, as evidenced by electrophysiological markers. Early processing deficits are, associated with lower self-rated emotional lability.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Most children are hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive, but some children display these behaviors more often than others. These symptoms tend to occur in preschoolers, but can also appear in older children and teenagers. All children are naturally energetic and have short attention spans, but some children’s activity levels may be higher than others. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should consider having him or her evaluated by a psychiatrist.
An evaluation will include a physical exam, neurological screening, and motor, verbal, and cognitive skills testing. In some cases, if the hyperactivity is related to another physical issue, may require more tests . In addition, intelligence may evaluate, as well as processing skills and personality traits. The child’s brain waves will be monitored using the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA System). The ratio of theta and beta waves has been shown to be higher in children with ADHD.
ADHD symptoms often last into adulthood, and can lead to difficulties with following directions, remembering information, and completing tasks. The condition can also cause other difficulties, including emotional, educational, and vocational problems. It’s important for parents to accept their child’s symptoms and recognize them as part of their child’s condition.
While the symptoms of ADHD vary from one individual to another, the symptoms are generally similar. Children with ADHD show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention causes problems with planning and organizing, and hyperactivity causes excessive movement, tapping, and talking. Impulsivity affects self-control, and can lead to making important decisions without thinking about the consequences.
The symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are common in young children, but adults can also have ADHD. If left untreated, the condition can impair a person’s ability to concentrate or sit still for long periods of time. It can also affect a person’s ability to focus or perform well in school. There are new tools and techniques available that can help parents and professionals treat ADHD.
Genetics
In an attempt to identify the genetic basis of ADHD, scientists have recently conducted genome-wide association studies in affected sib pairs. These studies have identified several genes linked to ADHD. However, it is still unclear whether these genes are responsible for the disorder. Some researchers have pointed to a possible role of the DAT1 gene in ADHD.
ADHD is a complex behavioral trait, influenced by genetics and environment. While 30% of the variance in the trait is due to genetics, a significant percentage of variation is likely due to environmental factors. Some environments protect people from a genetic risk, while others may enhance the expression of a genetic risk.
While a number of gene variants are, associated with ADHD, these findings remain limited. A common haplotype in the latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) gene has been associated with the disorder in both population-based and pedigree studies. This gene has been shown to modulate dopaminergic neuron formation and motor activity in zebrafish. Further, the effects of the LPHN3 gene on ADHD have been found to be altered by methylphenidate.
The most common genes associated with ADHD include serotonin transporter 5 (SLC6A4), serotonin receptor 1B (DRD4), and synaptosomal associated protein-25 (SNAP-25). Some preliminary results indicate overlap between genes related to bipolar disorder and genes associated with ADHD.
However, these studies have also raised questions about the exact causes of ADHD. While some studies are showing that ADHD is largely hereditary, others are showing age-specific risk factors. These studies are also beginning to explore the role of environmental factors in ADHD.
Non-genetic factors
While a large proportion of ADHD cases are genetic, the cause of these conditions is not always, determined by genetic factors alone. There are several known non-genetic factors that may play a role. These include environmental exposures, prenatal environmental factors, and common genetic variants. Genetic studies have shown that certain genetic variants are, associated with specific symptoms or subtypes of ADHD.
Genetic variations in brain cells can also influence the risk of ADHD. Researchers have found that nearly half of parents of children with ADHD also have the condition themselves. In fact, 41% of mothers and 51% of fathers of children with ADHD received the diagnosis of ADHD at some point in their lives. Using family studies and identical and fraternal twins, researchers have been able to identify the genetic and environmental influences that may influence the development of ADHD.
Genetic studies in twin and family studies have shown that ADHD has a genetic component, but they cannot identify the genes responsible for the disorder. Currently, the genetic component of ADHD is poorly understood and requires collaborative genetic discovery studies. To discover causal environmental risk factors, robust epidemiological designs will be needed.
Some studies suggest that some non-genetic factors may involve in ADHD. However, they have limited predictive power. In general, combining family history and genetic risk scores may be useful in stratifying patients. This may help in guiding treatment and identifying psychotic patients. However, this remains a controversial area of research.
Genetic linkage studies using genome-wide methods have shown that there is substantial genetic overlap in ADHD and other neuropsychiatric disorders. ADHD shows a significant negative genetic association with anorexia nervosa. Moreover, ADHD has substantial genetic overlap with physical traits and conditions. It has also been shown to have a strong genetic relationship with smoking behaviors and educational attainment.
Treatments
There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD. Among the most popular are cognitive behavioral interventions. These are especially helpful in treating adults who are not on medication or have residual disability from medication. Other methods include dietary interventions and nutritional supplements. Other treatments for ADHD include anti-motion sickness medications and optometric visual training.
Another option is atomoxetine, also known as Strattera. This nonstimulant medication helps increase noradrenaline levels in the brain, which helps regulate impulses and improve concentration. It is usually, prescribed for adults, but it can use for children as well. It is available in capsule form and taken one to two times a day. However, it can cause side effects such as liver damage and suicidal thoughts.
Other treatment options for ADHD include nonstimulants and antidepressants. While these methods are slower acting than stimulants, they can help control many of the symptoms of ADHD. These medications may be useful for people who are not able to tolerate stimulants or who experience severe side effects. Choosing the right medication may be challenging, so it is essential to discuss the options with your doctor.
The most common type of medication for ADHD is stimulant medication. While these medications are effective for controlling symptoms, they also carry the risk of abuse and misuse. Therefore, they are, considered the front-line treatment for ADHD. Non-stimulant medications are also available and considered safe for adults. But if these medications do not work, can use alternative treatments.
Behavioral treatments are typically the first-line treatment for preschool-aged children, but medication is sometimes, used as well. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, these methods may not work as well as medication alone. A child with ADHD may need behavioral treatments as well as counseling.
