TO STRENGTHEN the advocacy in understanding and helping people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, an ADHD awareness week will be observed in Baguio City this month.
ADHD is a neuro-psychiatric condition which may affect children, pre-school, school age, adolescents and even adults.
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center’s Dr. Genna Hipolito said awareness among parents is the best way to addressing their child’s condition.
“Most of the parents are helpless. We do not know how to deal with these children. It is important to educate ourselves on this condition,” Hipolito said.
She also highlighted the significance of awareness among teachers since they are the ones who usually deal with ADHD students.
“At least, he knows how to support the child rather than yung pinapalo palagi, or pina-punish for misbehavior. Yun kasi hindi naman kagustuhan ng bata yun. ADHD is a neurological condition so it is an illness,” Hipolito said.
Web sources say there are three types of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive; inattentive; or a combination of both.
There is no diagnostic test for ADHD.
However, parents are urged to be alert for signs and symptoms present for more than six months and if school work and the child’s social life are already suffering.
Hipolito said ADHD can be treated with both medicines and behavioral therapy. (Kervin Gammad, ISU-Echague Intern)