Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD

What is ADHD?ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is an ongoing behavior disorder typically diagnosed at age five or six, although the symptoms have usually been observed much earlier than this age. The three key symptoms are:

InattentionHyperactivityImpulsivity

These symptoms typically interfere with the child's functioning in social and academic settings. To meet the diagnostic criteria, these symptoms, exemplified must have been present for at least six months.

ADHD Symptoms: Inattention

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often fails to give attention to details, or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

Inattention Symptoms in ADHD

The child often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Inattention Symptoms in ADHD

The child is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

Inattention Symptoms in ADHDThe child is often forgetful in daily activities

ADHD Symptoms: Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seat.

Hyperactivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often leaves the seat in the classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

Hyperactivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate.

Hyperactivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

Hyperactivity Symptoms in ADHD

The child often talks excessively.

ADHD Symptoms: Impulsivity

Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often blurts out answers before the questions have been completed

Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often experiences difficulty awaiting his or her turn

Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHDThe child often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games).

Early recognition is key to treatment of ADHDOne can see why there is an age limitation on these behaviors being defined as "abnormal," as the majority of them are typical of much younger children. But in the non-ADHD child, these behaviors are typically outgrown. And, of course, there are a variety of other conditions in which these symptoms occur other than ADHD. Your doctor must carry out a very detailed evaluation before the diagnosis of ADHD is made. But please don't delay! If you or your child's teachers suspect ADHD, begin the evaluation as soon as possible. Early recognition and treatment of ADHD can improve your child's chances for long-term social and academic success

While there is no proven way to prevent ADHD itself, early identification and treatment can prevent many of the problems associated with ADHD

TreatmentsLimit distractions in the child’s environmentProvide one on one instruction with the

teacher.Make sure the child gets enough sleep.Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied

diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.