My child has ADHD. Now what?

The ugly truth about having a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is that there is no easy fix to managing this type of mental disorder.

ADHD has become one of the most prevalent mental disorders among children between ages five and 17 over the last two decades, and many have admitted to not truly understanding much about it. ADHD is not a made-up diagnosis by parents with not-so-amazing parenting skills. It also has nothing to do with 'sugary drinks', or even the amount of TV time you allow. Outlook magazine is here to debunk the myths, state the facts and provide you with advice on coping mechanisms for ADHD to allow your pride and joy to excel to their highest potential.

ADHD can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviours which features a wide range of symptoms. There are three types of ADHD, which include:

Predominantly inattentive

Persons with this type of ADHD have extreme difficulty focusing, finishing tasks and following instructions.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Persons with this type of ADHD show primarily hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. This can include fidgeting, interrupting people while they're talking, and not being able to wait their turn.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this combined type of ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These include an inability to pay attention, a tendency towards impulsiveness, and above-normal levels of activity and energy.

Though ADHD is on the rise, its origin is still unknown. Researchers have indicated neurological association and made some links to genetics. In order to obtain a diagnosis, your doctor would need to study the behaviour of your child for a six-month period, which would include reports from their teachers and other caregivers.

The symptoms of ADHD include being forgetful about completing tasks, having trouble sitting still, being easily distracted, and interrupting conversations without knowledge of doing so. Base on the type of ADHD, the symptoms may vary.

Treatment for ADHD involves both behavioural therapy, medication or even both. Natural remedies to cope with ADHD is said to be obtainable through yoga, maintaining a balanced diet and cutting down on screen time. Talk to your doctor to see which form of treatment best suits your child.

Celebrities, including Michael Phelps, Adam Levine, Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, have viewed ADHD as just a diagnosis and have not used it as an excuse to impede their success. They have admitted that routines help a lot and creating an environment that is organised and eliminates distractions, is important to their accomplishments.