What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, previously called attention deficit disorder, or ADD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Symptoms of ADHD usually start in childhood and may persist into adulthood. Most of the time, adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children, and the symptoms continued into adulthood.
Most children have difficulty focusing and behaving from time to time, but children with ADHD have a more challenging time keeping focused, staying still, and controlling their behavior. This can cause problems at school, at home, and with friends.
Symptoms of ADHD include:
- Hyperactivity
- Frequent restlessness
- Excessive squirming and fidgeting
- Difficulty staying seated
- Excessive talking
- Problems playing quietly
- Impulsivity
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers too quickly
- Interrupting others' activities
- Trouble taking turns
- Difficulty resisting temptation
- Difficulty getting along with others
- Unintentional injury
- Unnecessary risk taking
- Inattention
- Frequent daydreaming
- Forgetfulness
- Being easily distracted
- Disorganization
- Making careless mistakes
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of attention to detail
- Poor follow-through with assignments or tasks
- Underachievement in school
- Losing or misplacing things
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), other conditions that can have similar symptoms must be ruled out. Tests may include a medical exam and hearing and vision tests.
The American Psychiatric Association defines the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as:
- Symptoms must be present in more than one setting (e.g., school and home)
- Symptoms must persist for at least six months
- Symptoms must be present before the age of 12 years
- Symptoms must impair function in academic, social, or occupational activities
- Symptoms must be excessive for the age of the child
- Other mental disorders that could account for the symptoms must be excluded
What Is the Treatment for ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Medications are not a cure for ADHD, and behavioral treatments are often necessary so a child can learn to follow rules, work well with others, and stay motivated.
Behavioral treatments are usually recommended for preschool-aged children before trying medications. School-aged children with ADHD often respond well to stimulant medication plus behavioral treatments and counseling.
Stimulant medications are frequently used to treat ADHD. They have a paradoxical effect in children with ADHD, in that they do not cause children to become more stimulated, but rather, they work to improve attention, concentration, and self-control. Medications used to treat ADHD include:
- Stimulants
- Methylphenidate (Concerta, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin, Daytrana)
- Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Vyvanse)
- Nonstimulant medication
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