Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may affect all aspects of a child’s life. The disorder can affect a child’s parents, siblings, and family. It may also cause issues in marriage and family life. ADHD can have a negative impact on families and children at different stages. ADHD can last well into adulthood, causing disruptions to both professional and personal life. ADHD can also lead to higher healthcare costs for both the patient and family.
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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic, debilitating disorder that may impact many aspects of an individual’s life, including academic difficulties, social skills problems, two and strained parent-child relationships.3. In the past, it was believed that ADHD would go away eventually. However, recent studies show that up to 60 percent of those with ADHD continue to have symptoms well into adulthood. ADHD symptoms are not only a problem during school hours. When examining ADHD, it is important to consider how the family functions.
As children age, the impact of ADHD on them and their families changes (fig. 1|). Executive dysfunction, as seen in ADHD7, can have very different outcomes in later life depending upon the environment. The resources that are available to schools and families, along with age, cognitive ability, and insight, will determine the outcome. It’s important to create a supportive environment for the ADHD sufferer. The goal of an optimal medical and behavior treatment is to help individuals with ADHD reach their full potential, while minimizing adverse effects both on themselves and society.
This paper will examine the progression of this disorder, from childhood to adulthood. It will also explore its impact on families, communities, and society. The paper examines the comorbidities and healthcare costs, as well as the impact of this disorder on families.
THE PRESCHOOL CHILD
Preschoolers who are normal tend to be impulsive, have a low level of concentration, and engage in a lot of activities. The norm is to have a high level of supervision. ADHD children are still noticeable. This age group is characterized as having a lack in intensity and restlessness. If ADHD is suspected, it is important to provide targeted advice and support for parents. Parents can be stressed out when their child does not respond to requests from them or follow behavioral advice.
The Primary School Years
Children with ADHD in primary school are often perceived as different as their peers gain the maturity and skills to be successful at school. A sensitive teacher may be able to adapt the classroom for a child with ADHD. This child is at greater risk of experiencing academic failure, rejection by peers, and low self-confidence (fig. 2|). Learning difficulties and other comorbid problems can affect the child. It complicates the diagnosis and treatment. Emotional and family functioning in children with ADHD compared with controls 13 *Higher scores indicate better functioning. Child Health Questionnaire.13At the age of 13, parents may notice that their child is having difficulty at home, on the playground, or visiting family. Children may not want to play with or invite the child to parties. Families may refuse care for him. Sleep patterns are often poor in children with ADHD. Even though they may appear to not need much sleep, the daytime behaviors can be worsened if their sleep is disrupted. They have little time to themselves, because they’re always looking after their children. In some cases, family relationships may even fall apart. It can lead to financial and social problems. It is hard to gauge how a child feels when they are being assessed by parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals. Children with ADHD are more likely to perceive that their problematic behaviors are commonplace and harder to control. al. According to a study, deviant behaviors of children that are major chronic interpersonal stresses for parents with ADHD kids were associated with an increased level of parental alcohol consumption. In a recent study, it was found that deviant child behaviors are associated with increased alcohol consumption in parents. Sibling relationships receive little attention from families with ADHD children. Siblings with ADHD are more prone to emotional and conduct disorders.20 According to a recent study, the disruption caused by ADHD symptoms was the most problematic.21 This disruption was manifested in three different ways: victimization, caretaking and sadness and losses. Siblings were victimized by the aggressive behavior of their ADHD brothers, which included verbal abuse and physical aggression. Due to the emotional and social immaturity associated with ADHD, parents expect siblings to care for and protect their ADHD brothers. A new non-stimulant ADHD drug, Atomoxetine, was shown to improve self-esteem, social and familial functioning, and the perception of life quality. Further research is needed to assess the quality of the life experienced by the child and the family after receiving multimodal input.
ADHD IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Inattention, impulsiveness, and inner restlessness remain significant problems for adolescents with ADHD. Adolescents who have ADHD report a distorted sense of self and disruptions in their normal development.25 They may also display aggressive or antisocial behavior, which can lead to further problems. 3|). Edwards and his colleagues conducted a research. The study looked at 27 teenagers with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. This is characterized by provocative and defiant behavior but not more serious actions such as disobedience or aggression that violate laws and rights of others. The teens who rated conflict with their parents higher than controls in the community. Parents of teens with ADHD reported higher parent-teen conflict when they rated the teenagers. In a survey of 11-15-year-olds, hyperkinesis is twice as prevalent in those with ADHD as it was among the general population.30 However, the presence of ODD may increase the risk of such events.29 However it has been suggested treatment could have a positive impact on driving skills.31 Barkley RA data;26 (A), Impact at school, (B) Impact on health, social and psychiatric well-being. Data from Barkley RA.26 Impact on school, (B) impact on mental and social well-being, (C) impact on the health of those with ODD.
Comparing driving-related offenses among young adults with ADHD and controls. NS did not represent statistical significance.
ADULT LIFE
Adults with ADHD often have difficulties in the workplace. Many adults with ADHD are self-employed and have to choose specific jobs. Adults with ADHD often have difficulties in relating to co-workers and their employer. Also, tardiness and absenteeism are problems. Breakups and relationship problems at home are common. The risk of substance abuse is higher for adults who have persistent ADHD symptoms and are not on medication. It can also cause more problems, since the success of parenting programs for parents of children with ADHD is largely influenced by their own ADHD.
COMORBIDITIES
Comorbid disorders may affect ADHD sufferers for the rest their lives. With neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dyslexia, and developmental disabilities
coordination disorder, being particularly common. Children with ADHD often suffer from tic disorders that are unrelated to stimulant medication. Around 60% of children who have Tourette Syndrome also fit the ADHD criteria. At least 30%, and in some cases up to 90%, of children with ADHD also have conduct disorder or ODD.
ADHD and comorbidity in Swedish school-age children.37 RWD is Reading/Writing disorder; DC is Developmental Coordination. ODD stands for oppositional defiant disorder.
PROBLEMS ASSOCIAted with Treatment
The scientific debate has long been centered around the issue of growth deficiencies among children receiving stimulant treatments to treat ADHD. Some authors reported contradictory results. Some authors claim that stimulants may affect growth in children, but only when they are actively being treated. This does not affect final height.
One of the most common concerns about stimulant medications used to treat ADHD is addiction. Young people with ADHD are prone to taking impulsive risks. Untreated ADHD is linked to a three-to-fourfold increase in the risk of substance abuse, especially when it’s combined with conduct disorder.
Health Care Costs
The study compared the median nine-year medical costs per person for ADHD and non-ADHD. ADHD medical costs totaled US$4306 whereas non ADHD medical costs totaled US$1944. (p0.01)50 This is likely due to an increase in injuries following accidents as well as a rise of use of substance abuse treatment and outpatient facilities. Evidence from the USA suggests that the costs are higher than those of controls with the same age. The study compared median medical costs for ADHD and non ADHD. Children with ADHD have a higher risk of injury as bicyclists and pedestrians. In a study on substance abusers, ADHD was found to be significantly more common among those who had psychoactive substance use disorder.53 Relatives of ADHD patients use health services at higher rates. The study found that the direct and indirect costs of treating family members with ADHD was twice as much as those for the control group. ADHD-related stress has been linked to an increased risk of parental depression and alcohol related disorders.
It is important to understand the role that ADHD treatment plays in reducing adverse outcomes. Numerous studies have shown how treatment for ADHD can reduce the risk of substance abuse.
CONCLUSION
ADHD can impact all aspects of a child’s life. Currently, the treatment is focused primarily on providing short-term relief of core symptoms during school time. The current treatment does not address important times of the day, such as early mornings before school and evenings up to bedtime. It can negatively impact the functioning of a child’s family and have an adverse effect on their self-esteem.