Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

One of the most common childhood neurobehavioral disorders is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Though some people still refer to the condition as "ADD" (attention deficit disorder), this term has now been replaced with ADHD. Children affected with it struggle with school activities, performance and interpersonal relationships. It usually leaves parents exhausted and frustrated.

It is most often diagnosed in childhood and usually lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and in many cases are overly active.

There are three different types of ADHD. The type is identified based on the severity of the symptoms.

Predominantly Inattentive Type: Individuals affected with it find it hard to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person may forget details of daily routines or is easily distracted.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: People who have predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type are fidgety and talkative. It is hard for them to sit still for a period of time or to complete any one task like eating or doing homework, without getting up. The individual feels restless and has attacks of impulsiveness. Impulsive behavior is exhibited by interrupting others, grabbing things from others, or speaking at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait for their turn or listen to directions. Smaller children usually run, jump or climb constantly.

Combined Type: Persons suffering from combined type exhibit symptoms of the above two types.

Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children who are affected with ADHD do not outgrow these behaviors. They are also more severe and occur more often. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. To be diagnosed with this disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months, and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are the key behaviors of ADHD.

Children who have symptoms of inattention may

• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
• Get easily distracted, miss details and forget things
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
• Frequently switch from one activity to another
• Find it difficult to complete or turn in homework assignments, often losing the things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) they need to complete that task
• Struggle to follow instructions
• Be inattentive when spoken to
• Find it difficult to process information as quickly and accurately as others
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may

• Constantly move around
• Chatter incessantly
• Find it difficult to do quiet tasks or activities
• Dash around, touch or play with anything and everything in sight
• Have trouble sitting still through dinner, school, and story time
• Fidget and squirm in their seats

Children who have symptoms of impulsiveness may

• Blurt out inappropriate comments and act without regard for consequences
• Display their emotions without restraint
• Often interrupt conversations or other's activities
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
• Be very impatient

While research is being conducted on this subject as we speak, so far there has been no proven way to prevent ADHD. However, with early identification and treatment, several problems associated with ADHD can be avoided. In case you see consistent signs of ADHD, or your child's school personnel suspect the possibility of this disorder in your child, immediately get in touch with your health care provider.