Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often referred to as ADHD or ADD, is the most common childhood mental health disorder, affecting approximately 2 million children in the United States, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder usually appear during the preschool or early childhood years, making it difficult for kids with the disorder to control their attention, behavior and emotions.
Inattention
Inattention is one of the hallmark symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder finds it difficult to focus on one task or activity for sustained periods and becomes bored easily. He may appear confused or have trouble following instructions. Other symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are losing objects or homework assignments, having problems understanding instructions or struggling to remember appointment or activities even when reminded.
Hyperactivity
Constant fidgeting, squirming, climbing and excessive talking are symptoms that might indicate a child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Parents of children with the disorder often say their child acts as if she is driven by a motor. Children with hyperactivity cannot stay seated during mealtimes or the school day. Doing quiet activities, such as coloring or reading, proves difficult for children with hyperactivity.
Impulsivity
Impulsiveness is another sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are often impatient, finding it difficult to take turns and wait in lines. They may interrupt others when speaking or make inappropriate comments. Emotional volatility is another symptom of ADD, according to the National Institute on Mental Health.
Children with this mental health disorder struggle with restraining their emotions and predicting the consequences of their actions, according to "ADDitude" magazine.
Diagnosis
From time to time, all children have problems paying attention, sitting still or controlling their emotions. However, in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the symptoms are present for at least six months and are significantly more severe than children the same age.
According to the National Resource Center on AD/HD, for a child to receive an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, he must have trouble with symptoms in at least two areas of life, such as school, home, or leisure activities.
Treatment
Treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children involves a variety of strategies, including stimulant medication, behavioral therapy, and parent and child education. The National Resource Center on AD/HD advises that using a treatment plan that incorporates all of these strategies works most effectively to alleviate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and will help children with the disorder function better at home, school and play.
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Statistics
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
- "ADDitude" Magazine: Symptom Checklist: ADHD in Children
- National Resource Center on AD/HD: Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria
