ADHD Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Introduction

ADHD is a long term (chronic) health condition that could have a negative impact on those it affects, as well as for those who care for them. This condition commonly affects boys compared to girls, and it can carry on into adulthood.

Affected children may have problems with attentiveness, hyperactivity, or may become more impulsive. It can also be a combination of these behaviors.

What are the ADHD Symptoms?

Symptoms appear early on in an affected child and often surface when the child starts attending school. Children with ADHD exhibit behaviors that are more severe, and become obvious as often.

Inattention is an indicator for an entire range of ADHD problems. It simply means an inability to focus on one task or object, for sometime at least. This is a reason why children with ADHD face difficulties in school.

Some of the ADHD symptoms related to inattention:

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand
• Makes casual mistakes
• Inattentive listening
• Shuns difficult chores
• Easily distracted
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty following instructions

Hyperactive, Impulsive symptoms and signs of ADHD:

• Fidgeting
• Squirming in seat
• Cannot sit in a place for long
• Run hectically or clambers in inappropriate circumstances
• Cannot play quietly
• Answers out of turn
• Unable to wait turn

Generally, children may occasionally seem inattentive or hyperactive. But this essentially does not mean they suffer from ADHD. To detect ADHD signs and symptoms in children, a professional child specialist should be consulted with to remove any doubts.

For a child to be diagnosed with this disorder, he or she must have ADHD symptoms for at least six months or more and to an extent that is greater than found in children of similar age.

The exact cause for the condition is still unknown. But experts heavily doubt that it is hereditary by nature.

At present, available ADHD treatments focus on bringing about a reduction in symptoms of ADHD, as well as improve proper functioning.

Treatments can include psychotherapy, medication, training or education. Sometimes, these treatments may be utilized in combination.

A child may face sleeping problems due to side effects of some ADHD medications. For this, the doctor may prescribe medications to facilitate proper sleep.