ADHD

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition. A person with  has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control.

Self-focused behavior

A common sign of ADHD is what looks like an inability to recognize other people’s needs and desires. This can lead to the next two signs: interrupting and trouble waiting their turn.

Emotional turmoil

A child with ADHD may have trouble keeping their emotions in check. They may have outbursts of anger at inappropriate times. Younger children may have temper tantrums.

Unfinished tasks

A child with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but they may have problems finishing them. For example, they may start projects, chores, or homework, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before finishing.

How Is Diagnosed?

He or she will give your child a check-up, including vision and hearing, to be sure something else isn’t causing the symptoms. The doctor can refer you to a child psychologist or psychiatrist if needed.

To diagnose ADHD, doctors start by asking about a child’s health, behavior, and activity. They talk with parents and kids about the things they have noticed. Your doctor might ask you to complete checklists about your child’s behavior, and might ask you to give your child’s teacher a checklist too.

After gathering this information, doctors diagnose ADHD if it’s clear that:

• A child’s distractibility, hyperactivity, or impulsivity go beyond what’s usual for their age.
• The behaviors have been going on since the child was young.
• Distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affect the child at school and at home.
• A health check shows that another health or learning issue isn’t causing the problems.

Many kids with ADHD also have learning problems, oppositional and defiant behaviors, or mood and anxiety problems. Doctors usually treat these along with the ADHD.