ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common behavior disorder in children and teens. ADHD refers to a group of symptoms that begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. It can cause difficulties at home, at school, at work and within the community if not recognised and treated.

Adhd: A legitimate Medical Condition that effects childhood behavior

Symptoms of ADHD come in 3 groups. 1. Inattention is the most common symptom, people with this symptom have difficulty paying attention and are often unable to consistently focus, remember and organise. They may be careless and have a difficult time starting and completing tasks that are boring and repetitive or challenging. 2. Impulsiveness, people who frequently act before thinking may not make sound judgments or solve problems well. They can also have trouble developing and maintaining personal relationships. Adults with ADHD may not keep the same job for long or spend money carelessly. 3. Hyperactivity, Hyperactive children will squirm, fidget and climb or run when it is not appropriate they often have difficulty playing with others. Teenagers and adults who are hyperactive don't usually more obvious physical behaviors seen in children. Rather they often feel restless and fidgety and are not able to enjoy reading or quite activities.

Symptoms vary by individual and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of ADHD can also be similar to other conditions such as learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression. These conditions are often mistaken for ADHD. Symptoms affect people in all age groups who have ADHD however typical behavior varies by age.

In preschool-aged children ADHD symptoms may be difficult to identify. Normal behavior in young children usually includes all the major symptoms. ADHD can be distinguished from normal behavior by the severity and consistency of symptoms. In children between the age of 6 threw 12 more obvious symptoms are seen. School requires adjustments for children that can make symptoms more noticeable. The presence of ADHD may be indicated by, low grades or test scores including achievement tests, poor organisation and study skills. Socialisation problems and feeling rejected by peers, and problems with self esteem. Teens from 13 to 18 years of age may be in better control of disruptive behavior related to hyperactivity. Problems that began in earlier years may continue or become worse when ADHD is not treated. Some teens with inattention problems who previously managed to cope may start to fall behind in school work. This is especially true when major changes occur such as starting a new school or going to college. In adults symptoms of ADHD may not be noticeable. Many adults with ADHD have not been diagnosed and treated, they can develop problems such as depression and difficulty holding a job.

The exact cause of ADHD is not known. Inherited genetic factors are likely responsible. No specific gene has been directly linked to ADHD but a relationship is suspected between symptoms and brain structure which influence ...