Psicología infantil archivos - Psicología Corbacho

TDAH

Jaime Corbacho Guerrero — Tue, 09 May 2023 10:15:54 +0000

Having trouble paying attention, acting without thinking about the consequences of their actions, or being overly active may be indicative of ADHD. Although there is no cure for this disorderIt is possible to control it effectively and improve many of its symptoms as the child grows older.

What is ADHD and how is it treated?

The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects the ability to concentrate, control impulses, and regulate activity. According to the CDC, it is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and can persist into adulthood.

The symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the type of ADHD. (predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined) and the age of the person. It is normal for children to have difficulty concentrating and behaving well from time to time. However, Children with ADHD do not outgrow these behaviors as they get older.. Symptoms last and can cause difficulties at school, home or with friends.

Some of the most common signs are:

Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes.
Fantasize a lot.
Problems maintaining focus on tasks or games.
Squirming or fidgeting.
Disorganization and forgetfulness, losing things too often.
Restlessness, agitation or difficulty sitting still.
Excessive talking or interrupting others.
Acting without thinking or measuring the consequences and taking unnecessary risks.
Having difficulty empathizing with others.

ADHD can affect children's academic performance, social relationships and self-esteem. suffering from it. In addition, may be associated with other problems or disorderssuch as anxiety, depression, learning disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.

Types of ADHD

Depending on the symptomatology of each person, ADHD can present in different ways:

Predominantly inattentive: It is difficult for the person to organize or complete a task, pay attention to details, or follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routine.
With predominance of impulsivity or hyperactivity: the person moves with great excitement, is restless and talks excessively. It is difficult for the person to sit still or sit for long periods of time (e.g., for eating or while doing homework). Younger children may run, jump or climb continuously. The person is always nervous and has problems with impulsivity. Frequently interrupts others, takes things that belong to others without permission, or speaks at inappropriate times. It is difficult for the person to wait his or her turn or listen to instructions. An impulsive person tends to have more accidents and injuries than others.
Combined presentation: all the symptoms of the previous forms are manifested in the person.

Since symptoms may vary over time, the ways in which the disorder presents itself may also change over time.

Causes of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning in some people. The scientific causes of ADHD are not entirely clear.It is believed that there are several factors that influence its development.

Some of these factors are:

Genetics: ADHD has a hereditary componentwhich means it can be passed from parent to child. Several genes have been identified that may be related to ADHD, although it is not known exactly how they affect the brain and behavior.
Neurobiology: ADHD is associated with alterations in the structure and functioning of some brain regions, especially those that regulate attention, impulsivity and self-control. These alterations could be due to an imbalance in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are chemical substances that transmit information between neurons.
Environmental: ADHD can also be influenced by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy or childhood, stress, trauma, lack of stimulation or educational style. These factors can affect brain development and the learning of social and emotional skills.

ADHD is a complex and multifactorial conditionwhich requires individualized assessment and intervention. There is no single cause or definitive cure for ADHD.However, different strategies can be applied to improve the quality of life of sufferers and their families.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a comprehensive evaluation. which includes interviews, questionnaires, observations and psychological tests. There is no single or definitive test to confirm ADHD.Rather, clinical judgment based on established criteria is required.

Deciding whether a child has ADHD is a multi-step process.. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD and there are many other problems, such as anxiety, depression and certain types of learning disorders, that can have similar symptoms.

What is the treatment of ADHD?

ADHD treatment aims to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent complications. For this purpose, different strategies can be employed, such as:

Medication: There are drugs that act on the central nervous system and help regulate attention, impulsivity and activity. The most commonly used are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, but there are also other non-stimulant options. Medication should be prescribed and supervised by a medical specialist.
Psychological therapy: consists of applying cognitive and behavioral techniques to teach the child organizational, planning, self-control and problem-solving skills. It can also work with parents and teachers to offer management guidelines and support to the child. Therapy can be individual, group or family therapy.
Educational interventions: refer to adaptations or modifications that can be made in the school environment to facilitate the learning and behavior of the child with ADHD. Examples include simplifying instructions, shortening tasks, positively reinforcing effort and achievement, avoiding distractions, or providing visual supports.

ADHD is a complex disorder that requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach.. There is no definitive cure for ADHD, but with proper treatment, the quality of life of sufferers and their families can be improved.

In Psicología Corbacho we are specialized in the treatment of ADHD and we are experts in behavioral therapy. We are here to help you, do not hesitate to contact us to receive the guidance and professional advice we can offer you.

La entrada TDAH se publicó primero en Psicología Corbacho.

¿Cuándo pedir ayuda a un psicólogo infantil?

Jaime Corbacho Guerrero — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 11:14:20 +0000

Normally we tend to think erratically that children's problems will be magically solved when they grow up, that despite what it may seem they are not important. Nothing could be further from the truth. unresolved problems at an early age will stay with you all your life. It is clinically proven that problems in children can manifest themselves in adulthood.

For this reason, when we observe abnormal behaviors for his ageThe following may be the result of excessive shyness or unusual disinterest in his surroundings, violent behavior (excessive anger, intense or frequent tantrums, systematic disobedience, etc.), or an exacerbated fear of being alone. it is advisable to consult a specialist. The child and adolescent psychologist will provide us with tools, skills and concrete guidelines to face the problem.

Sometimes, even in the case of very young children, it is not necessary for the child to see a psychologist.. Depending on the case, only a few orientation sessions for parents may be necessary to change habits and modify undesirable behaviors in the child.

In any case, although proper communication between parents and children is paramount.However, there are cases in which it may not be enough to solve certain problems. It is in these situations when it is advisable to go to the child and adolescent psychologist with the child, approaching the issue naturally and without hiding the purpose of the visit. If the children are young, it can be approached as a game in which the parents and the therapist will play with them.

Most common psychological problems in childhood.

Childhood anxiety

Childhood anxiety appears when children feel that the experience they are going through at a given moment is beyond them, with no clear or relatively easy solution to deal with. When this happens they usually perceive certain stimuli as threats that generate intense fear. These threats may be real or perceived only by the child.

Some of the most distinctive signs of childhood anxiety are excessive worrying, physical complaints such as loss of appetite or headache, and hyperactivity and restlessness in daily activities.

What are the most common symptoms of anxiety in children?

Anxiety is a state of agitated mood.A child's anxiety is a disturbance, an anguish that a child cannot control and that ends up affecting his or her behavior. A child with anxiety may 'shut himself up' in his world and refuse to communicate or, on the contrary, explode in a whirlwind of anger (through a tantrum or aggressive behavior).

The most imaginative children, those who tend to exaggerate things, children who are permanently on alert, defensive and those who have problems controlling their emotions, are more prone to suffer from anxiety. These are the most common symptoms of anxiety in children:

Tachycardia, nervousness.
Difficulty breathing.
Excessive sweating.
Dizziness.
Muscle tension.
Stomach pain.
Excessive preoccupation.
Self-esteem problems.
Difficulty concentrating.
Negative thoughts.
Hunger attacks.
Nervous tics.
Excessive sensitivity.
Repetitive movements.
Phobias or intense fear.

Childhood depression

Childhood depression is a mood disorder accompanied by dysfunctional behaviors that can affect boys and girls alike. When prolonged over time can interfere in different areas of your life. It is estimated that approximately 5% of children and adolescents will have a depressive episode before their 19th birthday.

Symptoms of childhood depression may include elevated irritability, extreme anger or hostility, frequent sadness or crying spells, feelings of hopelessness, decreased interest in activities, persistent boredom, lack of energy or tiredness, social isolation or lack of communication, low self-esteem or feelings of guilt, and extreme sensitivity to rejection.

Treatments for childhood depression are based on a combination of psychotherapy and medication.. Psychotherapy can help the child express emotions, improve self-esteem, and develop coping skills. Medication can relieve symptoms of depression and regulate mood. The type and dosage of medication should be adjusted according to each patient's needs and response.

It is important for parents or caregivers to be involved in the treatment of childhood depression.. They can offer support, understanding and affection to the child, as well as collaborate with the therapeutic team and follow their directions. They may also benefit from guidance and advice on how to handle the situation.

Childhood depression is a serious condition that requires professional attention. If you suspect that your son or daughter may be suffering from depression, do not hesitate to consult us. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of recovery and prevention of future complications.

Behavioral problems

Problem behaviors in children are often learned behaviorsThese are usually due to imitation, which can be modified and completely eliminated. It is usually the main reason for consultation in child and adolescent psychology. They are characterized by disruptive behaviorThe child is defiant or aggressive and interferes with normal development and social relationships. Some common symptoms are:

Disobedience,
Tantrums.
Lies.
Theft.
Fights
Lack of empathy.
Feelings of guilt.

Behavioral problems can have several causessuch as biological, family, school or environmental factors. To treat them, it is important to consult with a professional who can evaluate the case and offer an appropriate intervention plan. Some strategies that can help are: establish clear rules and boundaries, reinforce positive behaviors, ignore negative behaviors when possible, teach social and emotional skills, and provide support and affection to the child.

Sleep problems

Sleep is a fundamental part of children's physical and mental development. However, many parents face difficulties in getting their children to get enough and good sleep. What are sleep problems in children? How do they manifest themselves? What can be done to improve the quality and quantity of children's sleep? Sleep problems in children are disturbances that affect the normal sleep-wake pattern. of the little ones. These problems can be behavioral, such as resisting going to bed or waking up frequently during the night, or physiological, such as insomnia, sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Symptoms of sleep problems in children can vary from one child to another. depending on the type and severity of the disturbance, but some of the most common are:

Difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
Excessive daytime sleepiness.
Irritability, anxiety or depression.
Attention, memory or learning problems.
Mood, behavioral or social disturbances.
Low school or work performance.

To treat sleep problems in children it is important to consult a specialist who can make a proper diagnosis and rule out possible medical or psychological causes. In addition, it is recommended to follow a series of hygienic sleep measures to promote a good night's rest.such as:

Establish a regular and relaxing bedtime routine.
Avoid screens, caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.
Maintain a dark, quiet and comfortable environment in the bedroom.
Respect sleep schedules and sleep needs according to the child's age.
Encourage healthy eating habits, exercise and exposure to natural light.

Sleep problems in children are common and can have negative consequences for their health and well-being. That is why, it is important to detect and treat them in time with the help of a professional and following appropriate guidelines to improve the quality and quantity of children's sleep.

Other recommendations and specific programs.

We have all heard or said at some point that "children are like sponges" in reference to their ability to learn, and it is true, but it is also true that we must help them develop all their abilities and better understand the world around them. As a well-known tire advertisement used to say ─ power without control is useless─, moreover, it can be detrimental.

The brain of a child up to 6 years of age is more receptive and can adapt and reorganize its functions with great ductility. This is an advantage that the Early Attentionwhich can be applied from birth to 6 years of age. There are two types of early care: therapeutic, when the child presents a problem in its development, and preventive, when the child, in spite of being developing correctly at the moment, presents signs of risk of suffering some disorder in the short or medium term.

Early attention favors the development of children under 6 years of age by helping them to develop their emotional intelligence, improve their motor functions and learn to interact with others. So, if they present some kind of problem in their development they can improve a lot, and in many cases even be completely solved, as long as action is taken quickly. The earlier they receive early care, whether preventive or therapeutic, the better the results will be. If it is possible to receive early care as soon as they are born, it is better than waiting until they are one year old.

Other specific programs that we offer at Psicología Corbacho oriented to child and adolescent psychology are:

Study techniques.
Intelligence assessment.
High capabilities.
Counseling to parents.

From our therapeutic center we encourage you to ask us for help, the child psychologist can provide strategies and tools appropriate to the needs of your son or daughter and yours and those of your family to overcome the difficulties that always occur in the normal development of children and adolescents.

La entrada ¿Cuándo pedir ayuda a un psicólogo infantil? se publicó primero en Psicología Corbacho.