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    • Mental and behavioural disorders account for 19% of the global burden of disease - WHO
    • It is estimated that nearly 450 million people suffer from a mental or behavioural disorder in the world - WHO
    • Nearly 10% of total population suffers from these disorders - WHO
    • Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
    • Nearly 1% of the Indian population suffer from serious mental & behavioural disorders and 10% from moderate disorders, requiring psychiatric help.
    • By 2020 mental depression will be largest cause of disabilty worldwide and by 2025 it may overtake heart diseases as the biggest health concern - WHO
    • About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 - WHO
    • Around 20% of the world's children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems - WHO
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder. Characterized by "the co-existence of attention problems and hyperactivity”. Symptoms usually start before seven years of age. It is a treatable medical disorder.

ADHD is caused by a combination of factors

  • Biochemical Imbalance
  • Person’s Genes
  • Environmental Factors
  • Brain Injury
  • Food Additives(colours & preservatives)

Key symptoms of ADHD are

  • Inattention (forgetting things, inability to focus, getting confused)
  • Hyperactivity (getting restless, being constantly in motion)
  • Impulsivity (being impatient, interrupting others)

Inability to sit still. Inability to follow even simple directions. Problem in controlling impulses. Becoming angry for no reason. Tending to be impatient. Breaking in line on the playground. Tendency to move constantly. Jumping from one activity to another. Rather with early treatment, the possibility of excellent recovery and subsequently patient leading a normal life is very high. It does not only affect children - people of all ages can suffer from ADHD. ADHD affects people irrespective of culture, race and social class.

Treatment options

  • Medicine
  • Counselling and Psychosocial management.
  • Family education, support and intervention.
  • Behaviour Modification
  • Educational Intervention

By being encouraging and supportive. Find appropriate & effective treatment; encourage him/her to continue taking medications and carrying on regular follow up visits as advised. Stay positive and healthy yourself. Established structure and stick to it. Set clear expectations and rules. Encourage movement and sleep. Help your child eat right. Teach your child how to make friends.