Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, becomes most evident in school life. The disorder, which is more common in boys than girls, is treatable. Experts point out the importance of early diagnosis.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Başak Ayık said that Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, which is understood during the school period, can be treated.
School adaptation week is very important
Reminding that the school adaptation week has started this week for primary school 1st grade students, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said the following:
"In order for them to get used to school more easily, they start going to school 1 week earlier than the normal education calendar of the Ministry of National Education; they stay at school for a shorter time than usual; they have the opportunity to get to know their teachers, friends and the school environment, and parents accompany them more comfortably. This process is very important in terms of reducing children's anxiety and fears about school, enabling many of them to adapt to school more easily and make a smooth start. Stating that children who have reached the appropriate level of mental, behavioral and emotional development for school can start primary education, but not every child who starts school may not have gained enough skills in these development areas, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "As important as the level of mental development is for starting school, social adaptation skills and the ability to control behaviors are just as important."
Problems with learning may surface
Stating that academic learning and social adaptation behaviors become important with primary school, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "Some problems that existed in the pre-school period in children but were somehow managed can come to light in this period. The first of these is learning-related problems; especially problems related to attention, adaptation to the lesson, concentration and learning can negatively affect children's academic success. Hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors, which are manifested by problems in sitting in the classroom and complying with classroom rules, may manifest themselves as behavioral disorders. Such behaviors and problems not only cause the child to be negatively affected academically, but also cause them to be excluded by their friends and to be declared the "scapegoat" of the class, and through this effect, it may cause self-confidence problems and depression."
It becomes evident in school life
Stating that Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in children. It is more common in boys than girls. Although its symptoms start in early childhood, they become most evident in school life."
Pay attention to these symptoms
Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık gave the following information about the symptoms of ADHD: "The symptoms seen in these children can be listed as attention deficit, problems in focusing and maintaining attention, forgetfulness, losing things, being easily distracted by external stimuli (such as noise, crowd), appearing not to listen when being spoken to, making careless mistakes, talking during class, having difficulty sitting in class, constantly wanting to get up from his/her seat, actions made without thinking about the result, impatience and interruptions."
Stating that a child diagnosed with ADHD may not have all of these symptoms at the same time, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "Subtypes have been defined for this disease. In the first group, 'only attention deficit' is seen. Since these children are quiet and calm, they usually do not complain about school. However, since they are absent-minded, they cannot make an academic gain from school and are usually diagnosed later than the hyperactive group. The second group is 'the group with hyperactivity but no impairment in attention'. The third group is 'children with both attention deficit and hyperactivity'."
Treatment is possible
Stating that there are many scientific studies on the cause and treatment of ADHD, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "Treatment is possible and quite satisfactory. First of all, a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist should determine whether the child has ADHD. Treatment is necessary to protect the child from life-threatening accidents, to offer the child the chance to demonstrate his/her real academic performance, to control excessive mobility and impulsivity, and to protect the child from risky situations that may occur if left untreated."