Attention deficit or selective attention in ADHD

Nowadays it is common to see cases related to the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and parents are often distressed because years ago this term was not heard as it happens today; which is why, at times, they do not know how to handle these types of cases well.

When parents or teachers consult me: How do I keep him quiet, because he spends a lot of time making noises and doesn't let other children concentrate? I usually answer that asking them not to move or make noise is like asking you not to blink. They are children who have all the will to obey, but simply cannot.

Therefore, the first thing we must do is understand what this disorder is about, - which affects children and adults. Let's see what the attention deficit.

Attention and attention deficit

Let's start with the basics. What is attention? It is a process of selective concentration in one or more discrete units of information about elements of the environment or thoughts in which other units of information are ignored.

In the case of attention deficit, what happens is that

the subject fixes his attention on information that is attractive, useful or significant, according to criteria that do not always obey what is socially expected of each situation and context. Therefore, it is not a question of a deficiency of attention, but of a selective attention. That is, these people involuntarily focus on details that in the eyes of others should be ignored.

Because of this, parents report that they appear "deaf." Indeed, the term fictitious deafness is used, since they only listen to what is of interest or benefit to them and, on occasions, they can lose focus with their own thoughts. We all have dreams and long for things, but we learn to control our dreams in such a way that it does not affect our performance; people with attention deficit, however, do not achieve that control and they tend to fantasize or daydream at times when very concrete actions are expected of them.

Different priorities and selective attention

Added to this, behaviors that affect the organization and sense of priority are presented causing people with attention deficit to easily forget their obligations, as well as losing toys, books, school supplies or clothes. Difficulty in managing time is also frequent, which leads them to be late or unfulfilled.

Likewise, following orders is usually complicated if an instruction contains several actions or steps, since there is no they manage to retain it unless it is stated very clearly, or they make mistakes due to inattention to details.

Main symptoms of attention deficit

Let us now see in what ways attention deficit is expressed.

Impulsivity in attention deficit

What's more, many of these people have impulsivity problems. This adds to the symptoms of inattention, but is actually partly a consequence of it.

I usually explain to parents that, as we grow up, we learn to use, without realizing it, regulation brakes, that is, we learn when to give our opinion and when to shut up, when to intervene in an issue and when to keep our distance; Although we feel the need to get involved, we must stop to promote healthy relationships or fulfill assigned objectives or tasks.

However, in the case of children with this disorder, they feel the urge but cannot stop it, they do not have brakes to regulate their desires (impulsivity). Therefore, common behaviors can be: interrupting people and not stopping talking, touching and playing with everything they see, saying comments Inappropriate, using lying to get out of trouble, answering before the end of the question, or showing difficulty keeping the turn in group activities.

Likewise, attention deficit affects these people, causing them to seek to quickly change activities for get carried away by other more striking interests that do not require continuous effort, but most likely not priority, causing them to fail to finish their chores and chores.

Hyperactivity

Added to this, people with attention deficit need to release excess energy they have (hyperactivity)Therefore, they are usually kept in constant movement or twisted in the same place, or constantly looking for new activities that are attractive to them. Insomnia is also common. They prefer to be on their feet or "running", that is why they prefer "active" playful activities, quiet games are not usually to their liking.

They also tend to entertain themselves with their own body (hands, arms, hair, mouth, etc.), which involves making sounds or noises that alter other people.

Tolerance for frustration

Finally, people with attention deficit present Low tolerance to frustration. Therefore, they tend to be very impatient, which leads to temper tantrums and inappropriate expressions of anger. This often makes them seem like explosive, anxious, or frustrated people.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Therefore, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that entails a certain immaturity in the systems that regulate the level of attention, impulsivity and movement. Important fact is that it belongs to disorders of onset in infancy, childhood or adolescence, that is, the symptoms must appear before the age of twelve to be classified in this category.

A very common question that parents ask is: How exactly is ADHD diagnosed?

In these cases, it is best to consult a professional (child psychiatrist, pediatrician, neurologist), who conducts an interview with the parents and then will assess the child. Only specialists of this type can make a diagnosis, and they must do so after a personalized review. Questions that are usually asked in the interview would be:

• How is your mood most of the time?
• Are you having trouble keeping order and / or getting organized?
• Is it usually punctual?
• Are there people with similar characteristics in the family?
• Is their behavior the same in school, home, and other settings?
• Have you had problems since you were little?

Also the history of pregnancy and childbirth may be delved into or medical tests may be ordered to rule out another cause.

Helping in diagnosis

In short, although it is true sometimes it takes time to establish the diagnosis, they are not tests complicated, it is always recommended to provide the professional with the most honest and accurate information possible.

Parents often do not accept that their children have some difficulty, and believe that by hiding information they avoid the diagnosis. This only complicates intervention for attention deficit problems.