ADHD was called attention deficit disorder (ADD) in the past. But ADHD is now the preferred term because it describes the main aspects of the condition: inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior.
While many children with ADHD are more likely to a category than others, most children have a combination of inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The symptoms of ADHD become more noticeable during activities that require mental effort concentrated.
In order diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms of the disorder must be before the age of 7. In some children, the signs of ADHD are already observed after 2 or 3 years of age.
Signs and symptoms of inattention may include:
Often fails to give special attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
Often has trouble keeping attention in tasks or play
Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
Difficulty following instructions and often do not finish school, the tasks
Often have difficulty organizing tasks or activities
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort such as schoolwork or tasks
Often loses the necessary elements such as books, pencils, toys or tools
It can be easily distracted
Abstract
Signs and symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity may include:
Shake or squirms frequently
Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations where it is not appropriate
Often runs about or climbs when not appropriate or if a young person may feel constantly restless
Often has difficulty playing quietly
He seems always on the move
Talk too much
Blurts out answers before questions have been asked enough
Often has difficulty awaiting turn
Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games
ADHD behaviors may be different for children:
Children are more likely to be predominantly hyperactive, while girls are more frequently diagnosed because they tend to be quietly attentive.
Girls who have trouble paying attention often sleep, but children are more prone to inattention to play the violin or aimlessly.
Boys tend to be less in line with teachers and other adults, so their behavior is often more ostentatious.
You may suspect your child's behavior is caused by ADHD, if you notice always inattentive or hyperactive, impulsive behavior:
It lasts more than six months
With operations in more than one parameter (usually at home and at school)
Interferes with regular school, play and other daily activities
Cause problems in relationships with adults and other children
Normal behavior vs. ADHD
Most healthy children are inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive at one time or another. For example, parents may worry that three years who can not listen to a story from start to finish may have ADHD. But that's normal for preschoolers to have the attention span and being unable to stick to one activity for too long. Even older children and adolescents, attention span often depends on the level of interest. Most teenagers can listen to music or talking to their friends for hours, but may be less focused on homework.
The same goes for hyperactivity. Young children are naturally energetic - they often use their parents long before they are tired. It can be even more active when they are tired, hungry, anxious or in a new environment. In addition, some children just naturally have a higher activity level than others. Children should never be classified as having ADHD just because they are different from those of your friends or siblings.
Children who have problems in school but get along at home or with friends is likely to be concerned with anything other than ADHD. The same applies to children who are hyperactive or distracted at home, but the duties and friendships change.
When to see a doctor
If you suspect your child shows signs of ADHD, such as difficulty concentrating, difficulty staying seated, or an inability to manage his behavior, consult your pediatrician or family doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, but it is important to have a medical evaluation first to check out other causes of difficulty for your child.
If your child is already receiving treatment for ADHD, he or she should consult a doctor regularly - at least every six months if your symptoms are stable. Be sure to discuss how often your child should be seen as an appointment with your doctor. Call your doctor if your child has side effects of medications, such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, or increased irritability. Some children taking stimulant medications may lose their appetite and have difficulty maintaining the same height and weight growth rate. However, the most likely reach its growth potential in adulthood.
