Recognizing ADHD Symptoms In Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is a common
neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by
inattention coupled with hyperactivity or impulsivity. The
result is impaired function. Over 4 million children aged
4 – 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Although it is most
often diagnosed in children, adults may also suffer from
this condition. Over 2 million children receive drug
treatment to control their ADHD symptoms.

ADHD symptoms can be divided into three categories. These
are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Learning
to recognize ADHD symptoms can help to determine when to
seek professional help. These symptoms need to be present
for at least 6 months before someone is diagnosed with
ADHD. Not every child will exhibit all the symptoms of
ADHD. Each individual case is different so if you have
concerns you should address them with your health care
professional.

Inattention Symptoms
Most children are inattentive from time to time. If your
child has several or more of signs of inattention or the
symptoms are severe, you should get him or her examined for
ADHD.

Inattention symptoms include:
- Failing to pay close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
- Often having difficulty in staying focused when doing
tasks or during playtime activities.
- Often does not listen or respond when directly spoken to.
- Not following through with instructions and does not
finish tasks such as schoolwork, chores or work duties.
- Having difficulty in organizing tasks or activities.
- Avoiding or refusing to carry out tasks that require
close mental effort.
- Often losing things needed for tasks or activities such
as pencils, school assignments, books or tools.
- Often forgeting daily activities.

Hyperactivity Symptoms
All children may show signs of hyperactivity because they
are easily excited. However, if these symptoms are severe
or persist for longer than 6 months, they may indicate ADHD.

Hyperactivity symptoms include:
- Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat.
- Often leaving the classroom seat or getting up in
situations where they are expected to stay seated.
- Often running or climbing excessively in inappropriate
situations. In adults it may be a feeling of restlessness.
- Having difficulty in playing or engaging in leisure
activities quietly.
- Talking excessively.

Impulsivity Symptoms
The inability to contain impulses can be a sign of ADHD.
These symptoms need to be present for 6 months or must be
acute in cases of ADHD.

Impulsivity symptoms include:
- Blurting out answers before questions have been completed.
- Having difficulty waiting for his or her turn.
- Often interrupting others or bursting into conversations
or games.
- Impulsive behavior that started before the age of 7.
- Can't help themselves in situations where they need to be
in control of themselves.
- Are impulsive in more than one setting such as in school
and at home.

While many of these symptoms are common among children,
they may indicate that the child has ADHD if persist for
longer than 6 months. Pay attention to how many of the
symptoms are present and to what degree. If you feel that
your child has ADHD symptoms, you should arrange to have
him or her diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

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Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD symptoms
in children and adult. The long term effects of ADHD
medications are still unknown but medical researchers
warned of permanent changes to brain chemistry and
behavior. Learn more about alternative treatment for ADHD at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-sym1