WHAT IS IT? Young people with ADHD typically are overactive, unable to pay attention and impulsive. They also tend to be accident-prone. Children or adolescents with the disorder may not do well in school or even fail, despite normal or above-normal intelligence.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? There are three types of ADHD, each with different symptoms. Children with the `inattentive’ type:
* Have short attention spans.
* Are easily distracted.
* Do not pay attention to details.
* Make lots of mistakes.
* Fail to finish things.
* Are forgetful.
* Don’t seem to listen.
* Cannot stay organized.
Children with the `hyperactive-impulsive’ type:
* Fidget and squirm.
* Are unable to stay seated or play quietly.
* Run or climb when they shouldn’t.
* Talk too much or when they shouldn’t.
* Blurt out answers before questions are completed.
* Have trouble taking turns.
`Combined attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,’ the most common type, is a combination of the inattentive and the hyperactive-impulsive types.
WHEN IS IT DIAGNOSED? A child must have a number of the above symptoms, beginning before age 7 and lasting at least six months. Generally, the behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, such as school, home, work or social settings.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? The evaluation usually includes:
* A thorough medical and family history.
* A physical examination.
* Interviews with the parents, child and child’s teacher.
* Behavioral tests.
* Psychological tests that measure IQ and social and emotional adjustment.
