ADHD

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ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
How to Recognize and what are the most common
symptoms in Children
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What is ADHD? ADHD
(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is an
ongoing behavior disorder typically diagnosed at
age five or six, although the symptoms have
usually been observed much earlier than this age.
The three key symptoms are hyperactivity,
impulsivity, and inattention. These symptoms
typically interfere with the child's functioning
in social and academic settings. The diagnostic
criteria were outlined in 1994 in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM-IV
American Psychiatric Association). To meet the
diagnostic criteria, these symptoms, exemplified
below, must have been present for at least six
months.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The child
often fails to give attention to details, or
makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or
other activities.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The
child often has difficulty sustaining
attention in tasks or play activities.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The child
often does not seem to listen when spoken to
directly.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The
child often does not follow through on
instructions and fails to finish schoolwork,
chores, (not due to oppositional behavior or
failure to understand instructions). An
additional symptom of ADHD in adults is the lack
of follow through on instructions or failure to
finish duties in the workplace.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The
child often has difficulty organizing tasks and
activities.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The child
often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage
in tasks that require sustained mental effort
(such as schoolwork or homework).
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The
child often loses things necessary for tasks or
activities (for example, toys, school
assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD The
child is often easily distracted by extraneous
stimuli.
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Symptoms of inattention in ADHD
The child is often forgetful in daily
activities.
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in
ADHD The child often fidgets with hands or feet
or squirms in their seat.
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in
ADHD The child often leaves the seat in the
classroom or in other situations in which
remaining seated is expected.
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in
ADHD The child often runs about or climbs
excessively in situations in which it is
inappropriate.
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in ADHD The
child often has difficulty playing or engaging in
leisure activities quietly.
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in ADHD The child
often talks excessively.
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Symptoms of impulsivity in ADHD The
child often blurts out answers before the
questions have been completed.
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Symptoms of impulsivity in
children. The child often experiences difficulty
awaiting his or her turn.
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Symptoms of impulsivity in
children The child often interrupts or intrudes
on others (for example, butts into conversations
or games).
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Early recognition is key to treatment of
ADHD One can see why there is an age limitation
on these behaviors being defined as "abnormal,"
as the majority of them are typical of much
younger children. But in the non-ADHD child,
these behaviors are typically outgrown. And, of
course, there are a variety of other conditions
in which these symptoms occur other than ADHD.
Your doctor must carry out a very detailed
evaluation before the diagnosis of ADHD is made.
But please don't delay! If you or your child's
teachers suspect ADHD, begin the evaluation as
soon as possible. Early recognition and treatment
of ADHD can improve your child's chances for
long-term social and academic success.
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More Reading on ADHD Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (ADD)
ADHD in Adults Children's Health ADHD Drugs
Not Damaging to Kids' Genetics Heart Events
Rare in Kids on ADHD Drugs