A study on clinical neuropsychological and social aspects in Developmental disorders Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with Learning disability in children

Abstract

There was a significant population of children in the preschool years (lt5 years) who were brought with ADHD confirming our first major hypothesis. We found that boys outnumber the girls in the ratio 2.1:1 and the combined type of ADHD occurred more commonly. The findings of our study give a view of the many facets of ADHD in our region with scope for further work. Further work is needed to look for improvement in ADHD after correcting the associated factors. The role of breast feeding in protecting against ADHD has to be further researched. Correction of anemia and how it correlates with improvement of ADHD needs to be studied. Providing adequate sleep time and reducing junk foods and the improvement it may show on ADHD features have to be researched. Taking adequate care of the mother s health (with special reference to nutrition and stress) during pregnancy, especially when another child is affected with ADHD and its outcome needs to be evaluated. EEG findings and its relevance in management and functional imaging of the brain in evaluating children with ADHD needs to be researched. The acceptance by the parents/caregivers of the diagnosis of ADHD and the pharmacological management suggested need further work. This will give insight into creating more awareness on the subject of ADHD in children. Screening for ADHD should be done when encountering preschool children with problem behavior, especially in our social environment, where formal schooling starts as early as 3 years of age. In a family with a child with ADHD it is imperative to take care of the antenatal factors in the mother (viz. nutrition and stress), in order to avoid the possibility of another child with ADHD. The care of the child, right from infant nutrition to good management of the child s illnesses (like anemia and seizures) and good child rearing practices is important. Effective management of ADHD is paired with proper counselling by the health care professional along with other medical interventions.