Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a behavioral disorder that affects approximately 3-5% of school-aged children. It is more common in boys than in girls. It includes difficulty in attention, hyperactivity, or both combined that is beyond what is considered normal for the individual’s age and gender.

Symptoms of inattention include:

1. Failure to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
2. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
5. Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
7. Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities
8. Easily distracted
9. Often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of hyperactivity include:

1. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
3. Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
4. Difficulty playing quietly
5. Often “on the go,” acts as if “driven by a motor,” talks excessively
6. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
7. Difficulty awaiting turn
8. Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)

If you see a combination of any of these symptoms, there is a possibility of ADHD. 

Early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment are the keys to success!