WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ADHD?

Inattention, hyperactivity & impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are especially to define because it is hard to draw the line at where normal levels of inattention, hyperactivity & impulsivity end & clinically significant levels requiring intervention begin.

    Predominantly inattentive type symptoms may include:

• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, & frequently switch from one activity to another.
• Have difficulty maintaining focus on one tasks.
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable.
• Have difficulty focussing attention on organizing & completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g -pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or   activities.
• Not seem to listen when spoken to.
• Daydream, become easily confused & move slowly.
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly & accurately  as others.
• Struggle to follow instructions.

         Predominantly hyperactive impulsive type symptoms may include:

• Fidget & squirm in their seats.
• Talk non stop.
• Dash around, touching or playing with  anything & every thing in sight.
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school & story time.
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
• Be very impatient.
•  Blurt out inappropriate comments, slow their emotions without regard for consequences.
• Have difficulty waiting their for things they want or waiting their turns in games.

                   COMORBID  DISORDERS       

Inattention & "hyperactive behavior aren't  necessarily the only problems in child with ADHD.

ADHD exists alone in only 1/3 of the children diagnosed with it.

The combination of ADHD with other conditions can greatly complicate diagnosis & treatment. Many co-existing  condition require other courses of treatment & should be diagnosed separately instead of being grouped in the ADHD diagnosis.

 Some of the associated conditions are:

• Oppositional  defiant disorder.
• Conduct disorder.
• Temper tantrums.
• Antisocial personality disorder.
• Borderline personality disorder.
• Vigilance.
• Mood disorders.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.