Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms:

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviours. The symptoms cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.


A child with ADHD might:

  • daydream a lot
  • forget or lose things a lot
  • squirm or fidget
  • talk too much
  • make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
  • have a hard time resisting temptation
  • have trouble taking turns
  • have difficulty getting along with others

Types:

There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines. The term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was earlier used to describe this type of ADHD due to absence of hyperactivity.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait for their turn or to listen & follow the given instructions or directions.
  • Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

People with ADHD may have problems with depression, anxiety, or learning disabilities. They may also be more likely to smoke and use drugs. Getting proper treatment can help an individual to deal with all of these problems.