Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting between 5–8 per cent of children, predominantly boys, and often persisting into adulthood, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The disorder impacts a child&039;s ability to learn and function in daily life, with its main characteristics being inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Children with the developmental disorder may struggle to stay focused, exhibit excessive movement such as fidgeting or talking, and act impulsively without considering the consequences, sometimes putting themselves in risky situations.

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Dr. Chrysostome Habimana, a psychiatrist at Solid Minds, a mental health clinic in Kigali, noted that while the disorder is not widely recognised in Rwanda, it remains a prevalent psychiatric condition, especially among children.

"In classrooms, for children it manifests as difficulty sitting still and maintaining focus," he explained.

The psychiatrist emphasised that it is a mental health disorder with an impact on a child's behaviour. "Children with ADHD often struggle to pay attention in class, and as a result, teachers may punish them for not being focused. They can also be overly active, constantly moving around while the teacher is speaking, which disrupts the learning environment," he said.

He explained the impulsive nature of children with the condition, saying, "These children often act without thinking, and they have difficulty organising their tasks. When given multiple assignments, they struggle to plan and complete them efficiently."

Teachers are often the first to recognise signs of the disorder in children, he said.

"Teachers usually notify parents when they observe behaviours that seem unusual compared to other children their age especially when a child is more disruptive than others. This typically occurs around the ages of five or six. While it’s normal for boys of that age to be active, if the behaviour is excessive, parents are encouraged to seek help from a pediatrician or psychiatrist," he noted.

In adults, symptoms such as inattention, procrastination, and difficulty in concentrating, can significantly impact work performance.

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"Adults with the disorder often struggle with deadlines and staying focused on tasks. Medications, like stimulants, can be effective in improving their concentration," Dr. Habimana said, adding that hyperactivity generally decreases as people age.

Regarding prevention, he noted that there are challenges, as ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

"The disorder can begin as early as pregnancy. So, preventing it is difficult. However, pregnant women can reduce the risk by avoiding stress, eating well, getting enough rest, and ensuring they are in safe environments. Stress, particularly in young mothers, can be a trigger for ADHD in their children," he explained.

Dr. Habimana also pointed out that ADHD frequently coexists with other conditions, such as autism and learning disabilities.

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"Children with autism often have ADHD as well. Those with learning difficulties may struggle with ADHD too.”

When diagnosing adults, Dr. Habimana stressed the importance of a comprehensive review of a individual&039;s history to differentiate ADHD from other disorders such as anxiety or depression.

"We take extra care during diagnosis to avoid confusing ADHD with similar symptoms seen in other mental health conditions," he said.

Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Habimana affirmed that ADHD is a real, documented condition.

"Some people doubt the existence of the disorder but it is well-established in medical literature. Medications such as methylphenidate (stimulants) can help improve concentration and allow children to focus better and perform tasks effectively," he explained.

"People need to understand that the disorder exists and it doesn’t reflect a person’s intelligence. Ignoring the symptoms or dismissing the disorder can cause more harm. Instead, individuals should seek professional help, whether it’s through medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). When combined, these treatments can produce very positive outcomes.”