What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / syndrome is a chronic condition that affects many children and teens and often continues to adulthood. We all know kids who can't sit still, blurt out anything that comes to their mind, and cannot focus at one thing either in school or at home. These sign are normal for a child but sometimes inattentiveness, hyperactivity etc. can also be the signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / syndrome.

The signs and symptoms of ADHD are typically visible and can be identified at a young age but it can be really difficult to differentiate the signs of ADHD from a normal kid's behavior. If you identify a few signs in some situation then maybe your child does not have ADHD but if you are able to identify most of the signs and symptoms in all situations then your child is likely to have ADHD / ADD.

When people think of ADHD they think of a hyper active kid but in reality some kids with ADHD cannot sit still while some can sit still and quiet with their mind wandering to places. Some can focus on one task but can't shift the focus to another while some are mildly inattentive but very impulsive. Children with ADHD may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem etc. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some time the kid can never completely outgrow ADHD. Sometimes treatment is advised which do not really help the kid outgrow it but can control the symptoms to some extent.  

3 types of ADHD in children

1. Inattentive- formally known as Attention deficit disorder (ADD) a child cannot stay focused on a given task; do not seem to listen etc.
2. Hyperactive- child is hyperactive and impulsive.
3. Combined-shows both inattentive and hyperactive behavior.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD

• Inattentive
• Fail to pay close attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Appear not to listen
• Have trouble being organised
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
• Avoid and dislike tasks that needs mental focus and effort
• Difficulty following instructions
• Have trouble staying focused on a task
• Fidget or tap hands and feet while sitting
• Cannot sit still
• In constant motion
• Hyper
• Have trouble doing an activity quietly
• Talkative
• Have difficulty waiting for turns
• Blurt out whatever comes in mind
• Interrupt or intrude conversations

Myths about ADHD

1. All kids with ADHD are hyperactive
2. A child with ADHD never pays attention
3. A child will eventually grow out of ADHD
4. Medication is the best treatment.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice more than a few signs of ADHD consult a specialist because it is important to have a medical evaluation first to check for other possible causes of your child's behavior.