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What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD refers to a pattern of ongoing, long-standing ("chronic") behavior
disorders that have three core symptoms: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and
inattention. These are defined as "disorders" based on the child's stage of
development. No one expects much quiet activity, impulse control, or attention
span from the average, normal 2-year-old. But by age 5 or 6, it is expected that
the child is beginning to regulate his activity level, control his behavior, and
attend to tasks. The ADHD child has not achieved these capacities. And the
degree to which each of these symptoms show themselves can vary greatly from
child to child. The problems that these disorders create show up in all areas of
the child's life from home to school to social settings. It is no surprise,
then, that ADHD has been shown to have long-term adverse effects on
social-emotional development, school performance, and vocational success.
Children with ADHD experience an inability to sit still and pay attention in
class and the negative consequences of such behavior. They experience peer
rejection and engage in a broad array of disruptive behaviors. Their academic
and social difficulties have far-reaching and adverse long-term consequences.
These children have higher injury rates. As they grow older, children with
unrecognized/untreated ADHD are more prone to experience
drug abuse,
gang activity, other antisocial activities, and other conduct disorders. The
symptoms of significant ADHD persist into adolescent years and very often into
adulthood.
What are
the symptoms of ADHD?
The diagnostic criteria for ADHD are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Health, 4th ed. (DSM-IV), Copyright 1994, American Psychiatric
Association. All of the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
must have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and
inconsistent with the developmental level of the child.
Inattention:
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity:
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
Often talks excessively
Impulsivity:
Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Often has difficulty awaiting turn
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games)