Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD/ADHD, is characterized by the
inability of a person to control their behavior or maintain focus for extended
periods of time. ADHD usually becomes apparent in childhood, sometimes showing
up as early as preschool, but adults can also discover that they are dealing
with ADHD. While most children will have the symptoms associated with ADHD
to some degree, children with ADHD will display these symptoms to the point
that their disorder impairs their ability to function at school, home, and in
social relationships with other children. Their difficulty controlling impulsive
and disruptive behavior can often cause trouble in the classroom, and their inability
to focus can seriously affect their academic performance.
The symptoms associated with ADHD include:
- Always “on the go” or constantly in motion.
- Dashing about, touching
or playing with whatever is in sight.
- Incessant talking.
- Have excessive difficulty sitting still, often fidgeting
or squirming in their seat.
- Starting many projects but rarely finishing them.
- Often becoming easily
distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds.
- Often failing to pay attention
to details and making careless mistakes.
- Losing things often.
- Regularly acting or speaking impulsively without thinking
about possible outcomes.
- Often interrupting others during conversation.
- Excessive difficulty waiting
in line or taking turns.
- Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question.
- Excessive time spent
daydreaming or “spacing out.”
Children with ADHD often take much longer than other children to complete
school projects and homework because of distractions. Adults with ADHD
can find that they experience the same difficulties at work, often having to
work extra hours to compensate for their lack of focus and concentration.
Most people experience some of these symptoms at some time or another. Because
of this, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that such behavior be demonstrated
to a degree that is inappropriate for the person’s age, create a real
handicap in the person’s functioning, and continue for a duration of
at least 6 months.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 2 million children
in the United States are dealing with ADHD. After receiving a diagnosis
of ADHD, many of these children are prescribed medication to handle their
disorder. There are other options available including psychotherapy, behavior
modification techniques, and natural alternatives to boost cognitive functions
such as attention span and mental clarity.
Author: Nan Little
Website: http://www.insightjournal.com/
Research shows that ADHD can be caused by multiple factors. A chemical imbalance, poor diet, heredity, developmental difficulties, and differences in brain structure are all factors explored here.
What are the steps to diagnosing ADD in adults? Find out what your healthcare professional will need to learn in order to determine whether you have occasional problems losing focus or an attention deficit disorder.
What are the steps to diagnosing ADHD in children and young adults? Find out what your healthcare professional will need to learn in order
to determine whether your child or teen has occasional problems maintaining focus or an
attention deficit disorder.
What type of child develops ADHD? There are several factors that can put your child at risk for ADHD. Learn more about what researchers have discovered, including the 'gender connection', the 'biological connection', environment and heredity.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD have many treatment options available to them. Behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, social skills training, as well as parent education and training are just some of the many treatments for ADHD.
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