ADHD (Definition, Symptoms)

What is ADHD?

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. The prevalence among the general population is 6-7% and it is three times more common in boys than in girls. From all the children who are diagnosed with ADHD in childhood 30%-50% continue to have symptoms in adulthood.  For a diagnosis to be made the symptoms must appear before seven to twelve years of age and last more than six months. There are three main subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Many children can be inattentive or hyperactive from time to time but children with ADHD exhibit these behaviors more often and more severely. Here are some of the most common symptoms according to the three subtypes:

•   Inattentive children are easily distracted, have difficulty in concentrating and in organizing a task, they don’t seem to listen when spoken to, day dream, feel confused, struggle to follow information and face difficulty in processing information.

•   Hyperactive children fidget in their seats, talk nonstop, have trouble staying still during meal times and have difficulty doing quiet activities.

•   Impulsive children are impatient, show their emotions without processing, have difficulty waiting for their turn, interrupt conversations and act without thinking the consequences.

What is your experience with ADHD? Please share in the comments below.