Many people use the term ADD as a generic term for AD/HD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Whether it is called ADD or AD/HD, it is basically referring to the same thing. The disease is a chronic debilitating disorder of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Significance
ADHD is a common disorder in childhood and occurs in 3 percent to 7 percent of school-age children as noted by P.A. Salmeron, MSN. ADHD affects many aspects of a child's life, including relationships with their parents, sliblings, academic performance and social skills. There is no one specific symptom that identifies a child with ADHD. Children will need to exhibit specific symptoms based on hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivitiy to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
Socialization
Children with ADHD are restless and intrusive, have verbal outbursts and the inability to behave in a manner appropriate for a given situation. Often these children will be argumentative and interrupt conversations. Their input into a conversation does not always seem to fit with the topic of conversation. Others around the person with ADHD will find them to be impolite, offensive and they will have few friends because people find them disruptive.
Academic
ADHD may be recognized when a child enters the school system. Teachers may notice the child leaves his seat frequently, talks out of turn, and loses or neglects to complete homework assignments. Children with ADHD will often fail to pay attention to details and make careless mistakes in homework or other activities. They seem to have a difficult time organizing tasks and activities, and dislike activities that require sustained mental effort. It is not uncommon for these children to lose things necessary to complete their required tasks, such as pencils, books or school clothing.
Family Issues
Symptoms of ADHD impact the family significantly. Siblings often feel they are being attacked with verbal aggression, physical force and manipulation by the child with ADHD. Parents need to spend a great deal of time with the ADHD child and siblings begin to resent this. This puts additional stress on the parents and their relationship.
Other Characteristics
Children with ADHD often seem emotionally immature compared with others their age. They seem to do best when interacting with younger children or with adults who will tolerate their immature behaviors. According to "Pediatrics," children with ADHD may exhibit mood disorders, defiant disorder and anxiety disorder. These disorders may lead to persistent unhappiness and depression for the child with ADHD.
References
- "Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners"; Childhood and adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis, clinical practice guidelines, and social implications: P. A. Salmeron; 2009
- "Pediatrics"; Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents: A Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment and Clinical Implications; M.L. Wolraich., et al; Vol. 115 No. 6 June 2005
