ADHD Symptoms

You’ve probably come across them, the kids who simply cannot seem able to sit still, the ones that can’t seem to be able to pay attention, who can’t seem to stop themselves from blurting out inappropriate things at unsuitable times, who seem willfully not to follow instructions even though they have been explained clearly. Well, these are some of the classic ADHD symptoms that these children are displaying.

So, What Exactly is ADHD?

Well, ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also referred to as just ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is a chronic type of neurological disorder. The children and adults affected with this condition find it difficult to control their spontaneous responses, particularly those involving attentiveness, speech, and movement, which result in their inattentiveness, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. According to estimates, it is thought millions of children display the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, and the condition usually continues into adulthood. Those affected with ADD symptoms usually also suffer from performance problems in school or at work, experience trouble with their personal relationships, and have low self-confidence and self esteem.

Exactly what treatment should be followed in order to control the symptoms of ADD is still under debate by the medical community. Presently, doctors are prescribing psychostimulant drugs in order to treat ADHD. However, even though many of the ADHD symptoms may be controlled by these drugs, they do not cure the condition. Plus, the side effects of these drugs can be a troubling factor. Special classroom modifications, support by the family as well as the community, and counseling are some of the supportive parts of the treatment.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD

Most physicians are of the opinion that a child should not be diagnosed with ADHD unless the principal ADHD symptoms occur early in life and result in creating significant problems at school as well as at home in a continuous manner. Most children diagnosed with this condition display the signs of ADHD before they are seven years old, sometimes even earlier. The symptoms and signs of ADHD can be broadly categorized into two types: Inattentiveness; and Impulsive Behavior-Hyperactivity.

ADHD Symptom - Inattentiveness

Some of the symptoms of inattentiveness of ADHD are:

• Careless mistakes made in schoolwork and the inability to pay attention closely to details
• Difficulty in maintaining attention while doing tasks or even at play
• Appears not to be listening even when directly spoken to
• Finds it difficult to follow the instructions given and is not able to complete schoolwork, tasks, and chores
• Usually has difficulty in organizing activities or tasks
• Has the tendency to dislike or avoid any work that involves mental effort for a length of time, like when doing homework or schoolwork
• Tends to be distracted easily
• Frequently forgetful
• Loses needful things like pencils, books, tools, or toys

ADHD Symptom - Impulsive Behavior-Hyperactivity

Some of the symptoms of the impulsive behavior-hyperactivity of ADHD are:

• Has a tendency of squirming or fidgeting often
• When it is expected for the child to remain seated, has the tendency of leaving his/her seat often
• Excessive running or climbing when it is not appropriate, in adolescents it is displayed in constant restlessness
• Excessive talkativeness
• Has the tendency of blurting out answers before the questions have been asked fully
• Has the tendency of intruding on or interrupting the games or conversation of others
• Is too impatient to wait for his/her turn
• Does not seem to have the ability to play quietly

Generally, children are diagnosed as having ADHD if they display six or more of the above symptoms in each of the categories, for a period of six months or so. Plus, these ADHD symptoms should affect at least two areas of the child’s life, namely at school and at home. This helps in ensuring that it is not because of a teacher or his/her parents that the child is displaying anomalous behavior. For example, children are not diagnosed as having ADHD if they seem to be having behavioral problems only at school while getting along quite well with their family at home or with their friends. Likewise with children who are inattentive or hyperactive at home, but are quite well adjusted at school and with their friends.