ADHD SYMPTOMS

ADHD Symptoms in Children & Adults

(ADHD) / Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a very common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting school-age children. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity characterize this disorder. It can impact a child’s academic, social, and emotional functioning, and it is important to seek professional help when needed.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects the parts of the brain that controls attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The ADHD symptoms can manifest in several ways and differ from child to child. The three main types of ADHD are:

Inattentive type: Children with this type of ADHD may struggle with paying attention, following directions, and completing tasks. They may appear forgetful and disorganized and can work to maintain focus for extended periods.
Hyperactive-impulsive type: Children with this type of ADHD may be very active and struggle to sit still for long periods. They may talk excessively, interrupt others, and work with waiting their turn. They can also have difficulty controlling their impulses.
Combined type: This is the most usual type of ADHD and involves a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD is complex, and it is important to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating the disorder. No specific test can diagnose ADHD, but doctors typically use a combination of assessments, evaluations, and interviews to determine whether a child has the disorder.

The diagnosis of ADHD typically involves a thorough review of the child’s history and symptoms, as well as input from parents, caregivers, and teachers. Many standardized rating scales and behavior checklists can help assess the severity of symptoms.

It is important to note that several other conditions can mimic the ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. For this reason, it is important to rule out these conditions before making a diagnosis.

What are the Statistics on ADHD?

ADHD is a relatively common condition affecting 6-9% of school-age children. It is also more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. As stated by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 1 in 5 high school boys and 1 in 11 high school girls have been diagnosed with ADHD.

It is also important to note that ADHD can persist into adulthood and that up to 60% of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Adult ADHD can be associated with challenges such as difficulty with time management, organization, and social interactions.

What are the Treatment Options for ADHD?

Several treatment options are available for children with ADHD, and the most effective treatment plan will depend on the individual child’s ADHD symptoms and needs. The most common treatment options for ADHD include:

Medication: Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Behavioral: Therapy involves working with a therapist to help children learn coping strategies and skills to manage their symptoms. Therapy can also include working with parents and caregivers to develop strategies for managing behavior at home and school.
Educational Interventions: Children with ADHD may benefit from educational interventions like tutoring or special education services. These interventions can help support academic success and improve self-esteem.

ADHD Symptoms Checklist

Inattention:

• They struggle to pay attention to details and make careless mistakes
• They have trouble sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• They appear not to listen when spoken to directly
• They Struggle to follow through on instructions and fail to finish tasks
• They need help organizing activities and tasks.
• Dislikes or avoids work and jobs that require sustained mental focus and effort
• Frequently loses items necessary for tasks or activities
• Is easily distracted by external stimuli
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity:

• Fidgets or squirms in the seat
• Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
• Runs or climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate
• They struggle to engage in quiet leisure activities
• They appear to be always “on the go.”
• Talks excessively
• Interrupts or intrudes on others

Impulsivity:

• Blurts out answers and ideas before questions have been completed
• Struggles to wait their turn in group activities
• Interrupts or intrudes on others
• Frequently acts without thinking about consequences.
• Has difficulty delaying gratification

These symptoms can occur in children without ADHD, and a qualified healthcare professional should only diagnose ADHD after a thorough evaluation. If you suspect your kid may have ADHD, it is important to seek and ask for professional help to obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

You can check the checklists made by IOWA University below.

• DSM 5 ADHD Symptom Checklist
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Symptom Checklist 

Check Our Our Other Blogs:

• 10 Most Common 504 Accommodations For ADHD
• Understanding ADHD In School-Aged Girls
• 10 Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD In Adults