Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a common childhood disorder that may include hyperactivity or an inability to focus. Another form of this disorder is attention deficit disorder (ADD). Both children and adults can have ADHD.
What causes ADHD?
Although scientists are not entirely sure what causes ADHD, they think the following may play a role:
• Heredity: ADHD tends to run in families. Researches speculate that there may be a certain gene that causes ADHD.
• Food Additives: Some researchers hypothesize that certain food additives can make children more prone to not paying attention.
• Pre-natal Factors: Some studies suggest that there might be a link to tobacco and alcohol use by the mother when pregnant and a child's propensity to develop ADHD.
• Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury may cause ADHD-like symptoms in children.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
There are many symptoms of ADHD. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are common to children of young ages. If your child has a lot of the following symptoms and has been exhibiting them for over six months, they may have ADHD. Consult your health care provider to be sure.
|
Inattention Symptoms |
Hyperactivity Symptoms |
|
is easily distracted |
fidgets or squirms in his/her seat |
|
constantly loses important things like homework or assignments |
non-stop talking |
|
does not listen when spoken to |
extremely impatient |
|
struggles to follow instructions |
has trouble doing quiet tasks |
|
daydreams or moves slowly |
runs around trying to touch everything in sight |
|
becomes bored with a task after only a few minutes |
is constantly moving or in motion |
|
finds organizing things difficult |
interrupts other conversations |
|
misses important details |
says inappropriate comments regardless of consequences |
|
becomes easily confused |
shows emotions without restraint |
|
has difficulty processing information |
has trouble waiting for his/her turn in games |
References:
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)." NIMH RSS. National Institute of Mental Health. <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml>.