Covenant Family Practice - Attention Deficit Disorder

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Attention Deficit Disorder

Written by Robert A Wilson

Thursday, 15 February 2007

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ADD, a behavioral problem, is a condition characterized by an attention span that is less than usual for a child of that age group. These children have trouble controlling their behavior. When a short attention span (attention deficit) is present with hyperactivity, it is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Children with ADHD are overactive and may act impulsively; again, in relation to others of their age group. Although many children may display similar behaviors occasionally, a child with ADD displays these behaviors routinely. The disorder is present in 3-5% of all children. Males are affected ten times more often than females. It presents a real challenge to parents, teachers, and doctors, as well as the child himself. The cause is unknown. Although not completely understood, ADD may be related to infant prematurity, smoking or alcohol use by the mother during pregnancy, head injury, or a chemical imbalance in the body. It has been shown that it occurs more often in children with a parent who also had ADD. There are no known methods of prevention. Fortunately effective treatment is available for controlling or reducing symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

Attention deficit:

Easily distracted and unable to pay attention, maintain attention, or listen for age-appropriate length of time
Difficulty grasping details or following more than one instruction at a time
Difficulty organizing or completing tasks

Hyperactivity:

Moves and squirms constantly
Wanders from seat
Talks excessively or out of turn, interrupts others
Unable to wait for a turn
Engages in risky activity without considering the consequences to his own personal safety

Other symptoms:

Sleeping difficulties

Socially immature; may have few friends
Delayed in intellectual developmental milestones or other learning disabilities
If not hyperactive, may be sluggish or unmotivated
Signs and symptoms usually appear between ages 3-7 although diagnosis is not often made until the school years, typically age 8-10. The structured environment of school is very challenging for these children.

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