Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Signs and symptoms

By Jyoti

Types:

Prior researches have identified three main types of ADHD:

• Inattentive ADHD,
• Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD,
• Combined ADHD, in which a child has both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

Symptoms:
The most common symptoms of ADHD are distractibility, difficulty with concentration and focusing, short term memory slippage, procrastination, problems organizing ideas and belongings, tardiness, impulsiveness and weak planning and execution. Though, not all children suffering from ADHD show these symptoms.

Signs of inattention:
• Hard paying attention
• Has trouble listening to what's being said to him
• Easily distracted from tasks and play
• Doesn't follow through on obeying instructions
• Is disorganized
• Loses important things
• Forgets things
• Doesn't want to do things that require ongoing mental effort

Signs of hyperactivity:
• Often fidgets or squirms, seems to be in constant motion
• Talks too much
• Has trouble playing quietly
• Often runs about

Signs of impulsivity:
• Highly impatient
• Has trouble waiting for his turn or standing in line
• Acts and speaks without thinking
• Runs into the street without looking
• Interrupts others

Causes:
Though enormous research is going into the subject, but the exact cause of the disorder is still not known. However, most researchers have concluded the disorder to be genetic. Also, cigarette and alcohol use during the mother's pregnancy is looked as a major contributing factor.

Contrary to popular beliefs, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, family problems, bad teachers or schools. However, environment can influence the severity of the condition and how well a child copes and functions with it.

Moreover, girls are harder to diagnose with ADHD than boys are for several reasons. Many girls have symptoms such as shyness or dreaminess that don't fit the classic ADHD profile, which includes physical hyperactivity and difficulty in school. To make matters more challenging, girls' symptoms are often more subtle than boys'.