Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioral disorder that involves a pattern of disruptive behaviors in children that last for at least six months and cause problems in school, at home and in social situations. Nearly everyone shows some of these behaviors at times, but behavior disorders are more serious.
Behavioral disorders may involve:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Defiant behavior
- Drug use
- Criminal activity
Behavioral Disorders include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:
- Not being able to focus (inattentiveness)
- Being extremely active (hyperactivity)
- Not being able to control behavior (impulsivity)
Some people with ADHD have mainly inattentive symptoms. Some have mainly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Others have a combination of different symptom types. Those with mostly inattentive symptoms are sometimes said to have attention deficit disorder (ADD).
They tend to be less disruptive and are more likely not to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Inattentive Symptoms
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores and tasks
- Has problems organizing tasks and activities
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
- Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities
- Is easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity Symptoms
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
- Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
- Has problems playing or working quietly
- Is often “on the go,” acts as if “driven by a motor”
- Talks excessively
Impulsivity Symptoms
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Has difficulty awaiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
Causes
ADHD usually begins in childhood but may continue into the adult years. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children.
ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.
It is not clear what causes ADHD. A combination of genes and environmental factors likely plays a role in the development of the condition.
Imaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of children without ADHD.
Source: MentalHealth.gov
