Why Does Attention Deficit Occur in Children?

Why Does Attention Deficit Occur in Children?

Attention deficit in children was first defined in 1902 by George Still as “a severe deficiency of moral control” in children who were excessively hyperactive, had difficulties with focus and learning, and displayed behavioral problems. Some symptoms appeared after the viral encephalitis epidemic that emerged following the First World War, and it was thought that these symptoms were a behavioral consequence of the epidemic. In 1947, the condition of children with excessive hyperactivity, restlessness, repetitive movements (perseveration) and cognitive impairments was named “minimal brain damage syndrome.” Later, for cases in which no underlying physical finding was present, the term “minimal brain dysfunction” was used.

Attention deficit is a cognitive-psychological condition that can occur at every age group and causes various problems in daily life. It is known to affect 5-12% of children worldwide. It is seen more frequently especially in school-age children and adolescents. Genetic, neurophysiological, neurodevelopmental, neurochemical and psychosocial factors are thought to play a role together among its causes. For this reason, parents who are concerned about this issue often ask questions about it and want to understand it.

Attention deficit is a mental disorder that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is characterized by symptoms such as forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and not paying attention to details, and is accompanied by hyperactivity. The prevalence of attention deficit among school-age children, with or without hyperactivity, is 6-9%, and it is more common in boys. Among adolescents, this rate has been determined to be 6%.

What Are the Causes of Attention Deficit in Children?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition whose exact cause is unknown, although it is said to be caused by genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. Studies have found that attention deficit is 75% genetic. Other causes thought to be involved include the following:

Brain injury

Premature birth

Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy

Low birth weight

Exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy or at earlier ages (lead, etc.)

Broken family structure

Serious problems between the parents

Being the first or only child in the family

History of psychiatric disorder in the parents

Receiving little breast milk

How Is Attention Deficit Treated?

Attention deficit in children is an important problem, especially in school age. Treatment options include psychotherapy along with medical treatment. The most important point during therapy is a good assessment, and at this stage information is obtained from the school and the teacher. In preschool children (4-5 years old), behavioral therapy is applied and parents receive training before drug therapy is tried.

Attention deficit is often seen together with hyperactivity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) makes it difficult for the child to focus on one thing and prevents them from staying still, and it may also disturb those around them. For this reason, such behaviors in a child should not be ignored, and expert support should be sought urgently. Behavioral therapy is also an important first-line treatment option that reduces these effects. Behavioral therapy aims to teach children and families positive behavior patterns and to eliminate negative behavior patterns. Although it involves children, it is mostly a parent training.

There are several therapy methods, and the therapist will choose the most suitable one. Another therapy option is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses mainly on the child and aims to eliminate negative behavior patterns. At the same time, by helping the child become aware of their behaviors and feelings, it supports them in changing negative behaviors within their emotional and cognitive processes. Medication also helps in this process in addition to these methods. Some of the medications used in treatment are:

Stimulants: These are the most commonly used medications in the management of ADHD, and success of 70-80% has been achieved in children who use them.

Non-stimulant medications: Although they do not act as quickly as stimulants, their effect lasts up to 24 hours.

In short, this entire process should include physical and personal child development programs. Some of the methods applied by Hisar Hospital Intercontinental with a wide range of tests are as follows:

Cognitive Assessments

WISC-IV Intelligence Test (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) (ages 6-16)

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test (ages 2 to 5 years 11 months)

Metropolitan School Readiness Test

Burdon Attention Test

Frankfurter Attention Test

Psychological Assessment

Play Therapy (ages 2-11)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents (ages 6-20)

How Is Attention Deficit Recognized?

Attention deficit in children has several causes, and its symptoms vary from individual to individual. In some children, one or a few symptoms are seen, while in others it manifests with many symptoms. Symptoms appear as follows:

They cannot follow instructions from beginning to end

They appear disorganized

They overlook details

They are forgetful

Their attention can shift very easily to something else

They seem not to listen when you are speaking to them

They struggle with and avoid tasks that require prolonged mental effort

They frequently lose items they need for an activity at home or at school

Hyperactivity may also accompany these symptoms, and its signs are as follows:

They talk excessively

They cannot stay in one place

They cannot stay seated even when they should be

They constantly run around and climb on things

They have difficulty waiting their turn

When a question is asked, they interrupt before it is finished and blurt out the answer immediately

They cannot stay quiet and calm

They constantly interfere in events and conversations

Some disorders occur at the same time as ADHD. Two-thirds of patients have another accompanying disorder. This rate is as follows:

In 30-50% of cases, conduct disorder,

In 20-25%, anxiety disorder,

In 15-20%, mood disorder,

In 10-25%, learning difficulties are seen.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can sometimes be confused with certain physical conditions. Some of these are:

Seizures (some epileptic seizures involve absent-mindedness, e.g., absence epilepsy)

Visual and hearing impairments

Head trauma

Insomnia developing with sleep problems due to various causes

Unhealthy diet

Certain acute and chronic diseases

Carbamazepine (antiepileptic), phenobarbital (antiepileptic) and antiasthmatic drugs (e.g., theophylline) can affect a child’s attention and focus and are confused with ADHD.

Depression (may manifest as restlessness and irritability)

Bipolar affective disorder (manic symptoms such as restlessness and hyperactivity are seen)

Anxiety disorders

Learning difficulties

Attention deficit negatively affects the lives of children and adolescents with these kinds of symptoms, and it is often overlooked by parents. However, many psychological disorders that are missed in childhood later manifest and compound with conduct disorder and a tendency toward depression in older ages. Since they have destructive consequences, they should not be neglected and expert support should be sought.

At What Ages Does Attention Deficit Appear?

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder has in recent years become an important topic frequently discussed both in the medical community and by society. Looking at the prevalence of ADHD in society, it is reported as 8% in school-age children, 6% in adolescence and 4% in adulthood. The disorder present in childhood becomes evident during the school years. With symptoms such as inability to stay still, problems getting along with peers, and difficulty with reading, hyperactivity is noticed more quickly than attention deficit, and therapy support is sought.

The reason the frequency of ADHD decreases at older ages is that its symptoms diminish. In other words, the disorder does not disappear completely. Later, it manifests as an inability to start a job, inefficient use of time at work, poor driving, a troubled marriage, inability to cope with stress, outbursts of anger, and difficulty handling many tasks at the same time.

How Long Does the Treatment Process Take in Children?

The first question that comes to the minds of parents of children with attention deficit is undoubtedly how long treatment will take. However, a definite and precise duration for the treatment of attention deficit cannot be stated. This process varies according to the child’s age, psychological condition, the awareness and interest level of the parents, and most importantly, the stage of the child’s attention problem. The more cooperation and interaction there is between the parent or caregiver and the child, and between the child and the team managing the process, including the child psychologist, the more efficient and comfortable the treatment process will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents who think their child has attention deficit or who have heard this diagnosis are worried and often ask certain questions. As with every individual, factors affecting children with attention problems are also wondered about. School-related stress in particular can increase attention problems in children during their developmental years. For this reason, the approach of the family and teachers to stress management is also a sensitive issue; pressure should not be placed on the child. In the child’s development and growth processes, as in all matters, the family’s approach and cooperation are essential. It should not be forgotten that a focus problem is a common complaint that can be encountered, and that recovery is possible with a quality treatment and therapy process. Parents should show a supportive and constructive attitude toward the child. The child’s self-confidence should not be damaged, and care should be taken to progress in harmony with professionals on the treatment team, such as psychologists, pedagogues and child development specialists.

No. Because it cannot be said that every instance of absent-mindedness is a sign of attention deficit; it may be neurological or may be another physical condition. In addition, after all physical examinations, it is considered whether there is a psychological cause. If deemed necessary during the focus process, a child psychiatrist may prescribe medication for children. Medication planning is carried out at a dose appropriate to the child’s age and health condition.

Families look for different solutions when they notice this problem in their child. Sometimes it may be hard to consult a specialist, or they may want to do something themselves until they reach one. This is because children seek their parents’ support in behavior management. Some recommendations that can be given to parents during this process are:

You should establish a routine in the family that regulates bedtime and wake-up times

You should eliminate distracting factors

When talking to your child, you should be clear and make them feel that you are listening to them.

You should offer your child more limited options (this pencil or that pencil, this toy or that outfit)

You should make it easier for them to plan by breaking complex tasks down into simpler ones.

You should be patient. Instead of approaching with anger, you can take breaks and eliminate excess stimuli.

You should pay attention to how much time is spent watching television and using tablets and phones

You should offer your child effective opportunities such as sports, drawing and music

You should feed them nutritious food and ensure a regular sleep routine

Attention deficit is a disorder that emerges in childhood and makes life difficult for the child and those around them; in other words, it disrupts their cognitive and social life. It should not be forgotten that if it goes unnoticed or is not taken seriously, it can have destructive consequences in later years. You should observe your child closely and not neglect to seek expert help in order to best identify the cause underlying the problem.

Although a focus problem is a condition that can be resolved with early diagnosis and correct treatment, if left untreated it can pave the way for the development of ADHD and many other disorders. It can reduce the child’s academic success and social adaptation skills. For focus problems and other growth and development concerns regarding your child, you can also obtain information and make an appointment at our institution, and support your child’s development in the healthiest way possible.