Staff Writer
At
some point or another, every student has trouble paying attention in school. It
could be because they can’t sit still or have other things on their mind.
Although inattention isn’t necessarily a good thing, it is not a cause for
concern at first. Inattention becomes a problem when it is happening more often
than not and when it begins to affect the student’s everyday life.
According
to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is, “one of the most common childhood
disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.” Eleven percent
of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, and 6.1% are
receiving ADHD medication.
There
are three subtypes of ADHD, and each presents with different symptoms. The
symptoms exhibited will help to determine which type is present However,
exhibiting some of these symptoms doesn’t mean someone has ADHD. A medical
professional needs to make the diagnosis.
Teens
that have ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms including poor
concentration, or inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. As their
hormones change, teens’ ADHD symptoms can intensify.
One way teens
can cope with ADHD symptoms is by establishing a daily schedule and staying
organized. This will not only help adolescents keep up with their school work and
other commitments in the short term, but will also instill good time management
skills that will be useful when the student is on his or her own. These strategies
are also good for teens that don’t have ADHD.
Though
there is no confirmed cause of ADHD, many studies suggest that ADHD is a result
of a combination of environmental factors, including brain injuries, nutrition,
social environment, and genetic factors such as brain chemistry. ADHD is most
commonly diagnosed when children are between the ages of three and six, though
there is no single test to diagnose someone. An ADHD diagnosis usually comes
after ruling out all other possibilities.
ADHD
is typically treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The
main objective of treatment is reducing the patient’s symptoms and improving
his or her functioning.
If
inattention and hyperactivity increase or continue to be a problem, seek help
from a mental health professional.
