ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they're noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood. ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls.
ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.
ADHD in children may present through symptoms including inattentiveness, impulsivity, hyperactivity, fidgeting, excessive talking, trouble waiting turn, and difficulty following direction.
There is no single test used to diagnose ADHD. Experts diagnose ADHD when symptoms impact a person's ability to function and they've shown some or all of the symptoms on a regular basis for more than 6 months and in more than one setting.
Signs of ADHD in children
trouble focusing on activities and becoming easily distracted. low attention span while playing or doing schoolwork. fidgeting, squirming, or otherwise having trouble sitting still. constantly needing movement or frequently running around.
Depression or anxiety.
As part of any evaluation for ADHD, a child should also be evaluated for other mental health issues, not just because they can mimic ADHD, but because other mental health issues can occur with, or because of, ADHD.
In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge.
ADHD causes kids to be more inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive than is normal for their age. ADHD makes it harder for kids to develop the skills that control attention, behavior, emotions, and activity. As a result, they often act in ways that are hard for parents manage.
People with ADHD may have trouble completing thoughts when talking or finishing magazine articles and books. Failing to pay attention to details or constantly making careless mistakes. Often having trouble organizing tasks and activities. Often avoiding tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, a specialist will need to follow strict criteria. These include that the ADHD symptoms: began before the age of 7 and have persisted for 6 months or more. are present in more than one setting (for example, both school and home)
ADHD is...
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects about one in twenty Australians, that's about 1 million people, but is frequently misunderstood and under-diagnosed.
Several different types of medications are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children as young as 6 years of age: Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Symptoms of Mood Swings in ADHD
Switching from excited one moment to sad, angry, or anxious the next. Fluctuating between having trouble paying attention and hyperfocusing on an activity. Having bursts of energy and fatigue through the day. Feeling emotions intensely and having difficulty regulating them.
A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often: Fidget with or tap his or her hands or feet, or squirm in the seat. Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in other situations. Be on the go, in constant motion.
In a population study, it has been reported that ADHD Inattentive type was associated with physical neglect, physical abuse, and contact sexual abuse, while Hyperactive type was associated with physical abuse [6. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and child maltreatment: A population-based study.
It was previously thought that a child could not have both ADHD and ASD, but the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, has recognized the experience of many people that these conditions do co-occur. About 14 percent of children with ADHD also have an ASD diagnosis.
A formal diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by qualified health professionals. Whilst general practitioners, and other front-line health providers may have useful information and experience in identifying ADHD symptoms, the diagnosis needs to be made by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can't be diagnosed with a physical test, like a blood test or an X-ray. Instead, a health professional uses an evaluation process to diagnose ADHD.
ADHD is diagnosed by the observation of behavioural symptoms. If you're concerned about your child's behaviour, your GP is a good place to start. Your GP might refer your child to a paediatrician, a psychologist or a child psychiatrist for a diagnosis of ADHD (or other condition).