Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and trouble concentrating. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DMS-IV-TR, about 3 percent to 7 percent of school age children have ADD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also called ADHD. Children who have ADHD do not make enough of certain brain chemicals that are responsible for organizing thought, according to the FamilyDoctor website. There are effective treatments for ADD and ADHD.
Inattention
Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention to detail. They might make careless mistakes, have trouble completing tasks and daydream often. They might move quickly from one unfinished task to another. They dislike activities that require sustained mental effort. They are often disorganized, easily distracted and forgetful. They often lose things necessary for daily activities, like a pencil or notebook.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, talking excessively, having trouble remaining seated and excessive running or climbing. Children with ADHD might seem to be always "on the go" or "wired." They might tap their hands or feet incessantly. They might make noise when they're supposed to be quiet. Hyperactivity in ADHD children can sometimes seem like normal child energy, so any diagnosis of ADHD should be made with caution.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity symptoms include impatience, difficulty waiting one's turn, blurting out answers and frequent interrupting. Children might fail to listen to directions, grab toys from others, touch things they are not supposed to or engage in dangerous activities they have been warned against.
Subtypes
The three subtypes of ADHD are Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type; and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Combined Type is diagnosed if six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and six symptoms of inattention have been ongoing for at least six months. Predominantly Inattentive Type is diagnosed if six symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for more than six months. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type is diagnosed if six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention have occurred for more than six months.
Criteria
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, some symptoms must have begun before the age of 7, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Some impairment from the symptoms must be noticed in at least two settings, such as at home and at work. Symptoms must be interfering with developmentally appropriate social or academic functioning. The symptoms must not be better explained by the presence of another disorder. To find out if your child has ADHD, bring your child to a doctor, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist to make the diagnosis. The health care provider will recommend appropriate treatment, including medications and behavioral therapy.
