Although it is a serious health problem, ADHD is often confused with impudence or lack of education. This mental disorder affects hundreds of thousands of Romanian children and has multiple causes, including genetic factors but also the excessive use of gadgets.
More and more Romanian children suffer from ADHD PHOTO Adevărul
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD in short, is a syndrome that is increasingly common among children in Romania. According to statistics, around 200,000 children in our country are affected by ADHD, a disorder that leaves deep traces in adult life. Unfortunately, in our country, ADHD is often confused with impudence, lack of education, indulgence or, in some cases, laziness. Specialists say that a child with ADHD is neither lazy, naughty nor spoiled. He is just a child struggling with a health problem that mainly affects his school life, but also his social life. Specialist Laura Jijie, pediatric psychiatrist, coordinator of the Department of Pediatric Psychiatry at the Mavromati Botoșani Emergency County Hospital, explains the symptoms of this disorder, the causes and, above all, the effects it has if it is not intervened in time.
When ADHD is suspected and when we need to see a doctor
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is loud, easy to spot, but just as easy to confuse. The diagnosis of this disorder requires a series of criteria well evaluated by a specialist in pediatric psychiatry. Basically, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the life of the child and later that of the adult. And the effects can be very serious. Specialists say that there are some signs that can lead to the thought of ADHD when we watch the child’s behavior. He is first of all hyperkinetic, always restless, unable to find his place. Then he has major problems with concentration and attention, he forgets to do his homework, he cannot adapt to the school schedule, he cannot pay attention to the lessons, but he can also have an aggressive, chaotic behavior that disturbs others.
” The teachers see, for example, that that child does not fit into the community. He looks out the window while working in class, unable to concentrate, he is attracted by different stimuli around him, he does not complete his homework, he does not complete his school assignments, he forgets his supplies, he forgets to do his homework. He has a fluctuating attention span, disrupts classes, wakes up talking because he can’t wait to listen, can’t be distracted, can’t organize his school schedule. During breaks or even during classes, he is excessively active, runs, climbs everywhere, disturbs others around him. Then there are question marks. It is diagnosed when the criteria for inattention are met over a period of six months. “, says primary doctor Laura Jijie. It should be noted if that child shows the same behavior everywhere, at home and at school or other activities. If he exhibits that behavior in only one place, then it is not ADHD but problems related to either the school environment or the family environment. Specialists also encourage teachers and educators to notify parents of inappropriate behavior without marginalizing the student or labeling him.
From genetics to overexposure to technology
Specialists say that ADHD is a disorder caused by a multitude of factors. Including the lack of affection or excess technology provided to children plays an important role. In some cases, it starts from a genetic component. “There is a genetic component as well as a neuro-developmental one that can occur as a result of fetal distress or if the mother has consumed alcohol or tobacco, for example. At the same time there are attachment problems. It was found that some of the children institutionalized in the first two years of life, even if they were later adopted, have emotional problems, including ADHD. Because when a secure base is not created at the attachment level, such problems arise. It can be a mistake in the parental attitude, it can be a mistake from the pedagogical point of view at school. And then we have to identify the cause. It is also a problem with excessive time spent on the phone, on social networks. The child begins to have concentration and attention problems,” says Laura Jijie.
Child with ADHD, adult with problems
If a child with ADHD is not included in a program of therapy and treatment then their problems will multiply with age. Rejected by those around, because of the behavior, other affective and behavioral disorders appear. Becomes rebellious, sometimes with aggressive behavior. “Undiagnosed in time, it can affect self-esteem. The child is rejected by the collective. And then some negative emotions are added, which lead to other affective disorders or behavioral disorders. Because ADHD can develop other comorbidities over time, we say. That is, we are talking about oppositional-defiant disorder and affective disorders. It eventually leads to behavioral disorders, more severe behavioral disorders in adolescence in particular,” adds Laura Jijie. In adult life, ADHD can translate into a life of risk and vice. That is, they drive cars aggressively, dangerously, use alcohol and drugs, or have other dangerous behavioral disorders. Specialists say that boys are more exposed to this disorder.
