| By :
V K Rajagopalan
Understanding ADHD - Definition is much easier to understand than you might think. ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and has been called by other names like ADD which stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. They are one and the same. What should be known first and foremost is that ADHD is not a learning disability. By the age of seven, signs of impulsiveness, poor attention and hyperactivity become noticeable. Different symptoms will appear in different settings ... for instance, it's pretty simple to detect hyperactivity in school; however, if the child is daydreaming or not paying attention, it could go unnoticed. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior usually shows up earlier than the inability to pay attention. This condition is often misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all. Passive, inattentive children are often mistaken for being unmotivated or uncaring about school, while a hyperactive or impulsive child might seem more like a troublemaker. Inattentive, impulsive and overactive children are not uncommon from time to time. One of three types of ADHD may affect a child when this happens. When symptoms become so pronounced that they affect relationships with family, teachers or other children, then ADHD should be considered. You'll know because they can function, perform or understand or complete homework or assignments in school. It is, unfortunately, not the easiest thing to diagnose. The ADHD definition classifies three different types: - ADHD Inattentives: children will appear inattentive, have problems focussing on details, have trouble remembering details and are distracted easily from projects and tasks. - ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Type - These kids are often fidgeters, talk nonstop, interrupt, cannot sit for long periods of time, will not wait until it is their turn…are usually impulsive and constantly on the go. - ADHD Combined: this is were all of the symptoms listed above are present. Boys are 2-4 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than girls, although it has never been scientifically proven. It has recently been found that 3-5% of children in the United States have some form of ADHD. Recent studies have shown that adults have been diagnosed with this disorder between 2% and 4% of the total population. Adults who have never been diagnosed with ADHD will usually have difficulty in relationships, personal finances, home management, planning and goal setting and organization. Do not always expect your child to be constant in his abilities. He might remember a complex game or computer sequence; however, some simpler things may prove difficult. Mastering handwriting may be a challenge he simply cannot sit still for. Guidance and understanding are necessary when dealing with a person with ADHD; this is needed from teachers, family and friends. Behavior modification and medication will be the standard treatment for this disorder. While treatment has been around for a time, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has long been controversial and is now considered a "real" condition with treatment. Now that you have the ADHD definition and symptoms, it's good to remember that children without the disorder also exhibit these types of symptoms from point to point. It is when they become so prevalent that they affect functionality and disrupt the home and the classroom that you need to bring it to the attention of your family physician.
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articleforbacklinks.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
