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What is the full form of ADHD

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ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is the most common mental disorder in children that starts during childhood. It does not mean that it only affects children, can affect people of all ages.

The exact cause of ADHD is not known. Some factors that are believed to be the cause of ADHD include:

• Child is born prematurely
• Low birth weight
• Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy
• Genetics, it can run in families

Types of ADHD

ADHD can be of three types based on the symptoms of the child.

• Inattentive: In this type, the major symptoms include lack of attention. The child has a short attention span, easily distracted and is not able to focus on any given task.
• Hyperactive/impulsive: This type occurs when the patient has major symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity such as the child cannot sit still for a long duration, talks excessively, excessive physical movement, act without thinking, unable to wait for his or her turn, interrupts conversations.
• Combined: It occurs when the patients exhibit symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity.

The treatment of ADHD usually involves medications and behavioral interventions. It might not completely cure ADHD, but it can help reduces symptoms.

Prevention

There are few ways that can help you reduce the risk of ADHD in your child such as:

• Don’t consume anything that can harm fetal development during pregnancy such as alcohol, cigarette, and recreational drugs.
• Protect your child from pollutants and toxins including cigarette smoke and lead paint.
• Excessive exposure to TV or video games should be reduced in the early years of life.