ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders; it affects 3 – 5 percent of all children, adolescents and adults in the United States.
Symptoms of ADHD:
It is normal for children, at one time or another, to have trouble focusing and behaving. However, in children with ADHD, the symptoms continue instead of getting better, and they can make learning difficult.
ADHD can only be identified by watching for specific behaviors, which vary from person to person, through a comprehensive assessment where evaluators measure behaviors against the three dimensions of ADHD:
Impulsivity:
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Has difficulty waiting in line for a turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
Inattention:
- Makes careless mistakes on schoolwork, work or other activities
- Difficulty in giving or sustaining close attention in tasks
- Appears preoccupied or unmotivated to complete tasks
- Avoids tasks which require sustained mental effort such as homework
- Losing or forgetting items like toys, books, pencils, etc.
- Easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
Hyperactivity:
- Fidgets with hands and feet or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat in classroom or other situations in which remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs excessively during inappropriate times or situations
- Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- Often talks excessively
Learn more:
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ADHD, reach out to your health care provider to arrange an assessment.
To learn more about ADHD, visit the national resource, CHADD.
Credit: Frontier Behavioral Health. Used with permission.