More commonly known as ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that affects your attention spans and ability to focus. There are a lot of interesting facts about ADHD that many might already know. But if you don’t, here’s a sneak peek into them.
Usually diagnosed at a young age, patients usually have trouble focusing, forget to complete tasks, have a problem with staying organized, and have difficulty sitting still. An interesting thing about ADHD is that the diagnosis is quite difficult because most of the symptoms can be typical childhood behaviors.
You may be aware of the basics of ADHD symptoms, but here are some facts that may surprise you a little.
Gender Plays a Role Here:
Quite surprisingly, the male population is thrice more likely to get ADHD as compared to the female population. Studies have found that 13% of men are likely to be diagnosed with ADHD during their lifetimes, whereas the rate is only 4.2% for women.
Experts believe that though the male sex is the greatest risk factor
Other suspected influences, such as low birth weight, birth to a single parent, complications during delivery, and being born a twin do not have an impact on ADHD risk. WebMD suggests that besides the male sex, low parental education may increase ADHD risk.
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Increased Risk with Exposure to Environmental Toxins:
Your exposure to toxic chemicals present in the environment may have a role to play in increasing the risk of autism and ADHD. Some studies have confirmed that a child’s exposure to mercury, aluminum, lead, and pesticides can lead to a diverse range of degenerative and neurological disorders. Surprisingly, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that one in every six women has high mercury levels in the body, which can directly increase the risk of ADHD and other neurological disorders in newborns.
Symptoms Variations in Boys and Girls:
Boys and girls may exhibit very different ADHD symptoms. Research shows that ADHD in men involves symptoms like having an attention disorder, and usually, displays externalized symptoms usually associated with ADHD. The list includes a lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
In girls, the symptoms are usually not that obvious, and usually include inattentiveness, daydreaming, and verbal aggression, such as taunting, teasing, and name-calling. The girls with ADHD show low-self esteem and usually look ‘withdrawn. The change in symptoms is one of the reasons why it often becomes difficult to make a correct diagnosis.
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The Connection between ADHD and Tooth Grinding:
Tooth grinding is often considered normal, but it may sometimes be a sign of ADHD and hyperactivity, especially when it continues even when your child sleeps. Research shows that involuntarily grinding teeth can lead to stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity. A study published in “Sleep” found that children with ADHD are likely to have sleep problems, such as sleep terrors, insomnia, teeth grinding, and snoring.
Sugar, TV, and ADHD – What’s the Connection?
Adding to the list of interesting facts about ADHD, watching too much TV, increased sugar intake, and chaotic family life can aggravate symptoms of ADHD. But contrary to popular belief, they cannot cause the disorder in the first place. Genetics certainly play a role here. Excessive sugar intake may well be the reason behind hyperactivity, but that is usually not associated with ADHD.
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Advantages of ADHD:
Yes, being diagnosed with ADHD is not the end of the road for you or your child because there are some upsides too.
Did you know that many famous people in history made their name while living with ADHD?
Some of the popular names are;
-Benjamin Franklin
-Leonardo Di Vinci
-Thomas Edison
-Abraham Lincoln
-Albert Einstein
If your child has ADHD, he can still be tomorrow’s Einstein
Studies show that individuals with ADHD may be good at empathizing, have a rich creative imagination, continue with the task until they have finished it, and may well be extremely resilient.
After the diagnosis, you can always help them live a more controlled life. Be sure to try methods other than prescription meds, such as social skill training, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, support groups, and diet changes to make them a productive part of the community.
Did you find the above interesting facts about ADHD useful? Were they new to you or did you know them already? Let us know in the comments below.
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