What is Neurodevelopmental Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Some psychological conditions impact the development and growth of nervous symptoms; it results in the form of brain function abnormalities like memory issues, losing self-control, learning issues, and difficulty managing and processing emotions. Today, we’ll discuss what is neurodevelopmental disorder; its symptoms, causes, how common is NDs, and their treatment.

What is Neurodevelopmental Disorder? 

NDs (neurodevelopmental disorders) are mental health condition that impacts emotional functionalities, cognitive capabilities, and brain functions; causing socializing issues, and changing the neurological development of a person. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorders) and ASD (autism spectrum disorders) are some of the common forms of NDs. However, researchers haven’t studied many of the NDs forms due to their limited recognition.

NDs are most apparent in young children, toddlers, and adolescents in the early stages of their neurological development. They would continue to prevail in the early adult life, or they would go undiagnosed until the person is fully mature. There are some instances when the child stops exhibiting the symptoms of NDs.

Commonness & Prevalence of NDs

The NDs condition is more common among men than women due to different biology, genetics, and other risk factors. Other types of NDs like ASD, it is more also more prevalent among men, but researchers don’t make any gender differentiation while defining the symptoms.

A combination of various disorders (comorbidity) is highly possible among people with NDs. A research study analyzed the NDs comorbidity among children with mental illnesses aging from 7 to 12 years old; it found that children with NDs have various psychological disorders. The research study comprised 407 boys and girls. After interviewing the parents, approximately 55% of the kids have the diagnosis of at least one type of ND.

Symptoms of Neurodevelopmental Disorder 

The main symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorder result in the form of impairment of the following;

• Emotions
• Social skills
• Speech
• Learning
• Motor skills
• Behavior
• Language
• Memory

The abovementioned impairments limit the functioning of a person in society and social capabilities. 

Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorder 

Some of the main symptoms of the neurodevelopmental disorder are as follows;

• Schizophrenia
• Neurodevelopmental motor disorders
• Learning disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Conduct disorders
• Communication disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Causes of Neurodevelopmental Disorder 

Researchers don’t know the exact and precise causes for the development of NDs; various factors could play their part in the development of this condition. So far existent research studies point to the fact that both environmental and biological factors cause the development of NDs. However, some risk factors would like trauma, illness, or stress would trigger hormonal and genetic tendencies.

Epigenetics plays a significant role in the development of disorders like NDs. Epigenetics focuses on how various genes are operating various functions in our body; when the behavior and environment of a person would change the DNA. Studies have shown that a toxic environment, neglect, trauma, and other childhood experiences are the key factors in developing psychological conditions like NDs.

Studies have found a connection between the growth and development of the medical condition and prenatal events. The maternal diet during pregnancy decides whether the person would develop metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity. Many experts also think that prenatal events like diet would impact the development of NDs.

Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorder 

People with neurodevelopmental disorders don’t have many treatment options available to them, but some research studies have found effective interventions. It is important to mention here that NDs don’t have a cure; the treatment plans would help you to manage its symptoms in your routine life.

Medication

Doctors sometimes prescribe medications both to adults and young children with NDs conditions. For people with ADHD condition, doctors prescribe them medicines to manage symptoms like inattentiveness, agitation, hyperactivity, etc. However, the medicine comprises antidepressants, stimulants, and other drugs to amplify the cognitive capabilities of a person.

You should avoid medicines for people with ASD and ADHD as a first treatment method. It’s better to start with therapeutic approaches for such patients. Psychologists recommend prenatal training and neurodevelopmental therapies for pediatric patients before applying for medicines.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a commonly used therapeutic approach for depression. But research studies have found that rTMS is equally beneficial for patients with NDs. They have also found that rTMS didn’t have any adverse impact on adolescents and children with this condition.

rTMS helps in improving the behavior and social functioning of people with ASD condition. It is equally beneficial for people with Tic disorders, and it decreases the tics. However, it is not effective for treating people with ADHD and causes inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and irritation.

Behavioral Therapy

Some of the following behavioral therapies are very effective in treating the symptoms of NDS, ASD, and ADHD.

• Developmental Therapies
• Speech therapy
• CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
• ABA (applied behavioral analysis) effectively improves the behavior of children with NDs, ASD, ADHD

CAM (Conventional and Alternative Medicine)

It is better to apply the CAM approach before using medicine and professional therapeutic approaches.

• Healthy nutrition
• Performing exercises
• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Supplements for mind and body
• Performing yoga and acupuncture

Conclusion: What is Neurodevelopmental Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

After an in-depth study of what is neurodevelopmental disorders; their symptoms, causes, and treatment; we have realized that NDs could badly disturb the life of a person. If you’re experiencing its symptoms, then you should consult with the doctor and work on the intervention strategies.