Symptoms of ADHD

Parents of a child who has ADHD may receive a note from school saying that their child "won't listen to the teacher," "is too active or hyper," or "causes trouble in class and is disruptive." Even though a child with ADHD often wants to be a good student, his or her impulsive behavior and inability to pay attention in class make it difficult. Teachers, parents and friends may see that the child is "misbehaving" or acting "different," but they might not be able to tell exactly what is wrong. Over the years there have been changes in what are considered to be the essential symptoms of ADHD.

In general, children with ADHD have a hard time with normal activities of everyday life because of significant problems with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsive behavior. Unlike the normally high level of activity sometimes seen in children who do not have ADHD, the hyperactivity of ADHD happens more often and is typically more haphazard, poorly organized and not goal directed (has no real purpose). Likewise, children who do not have ADHD occasionally are impulsive or inattentive. In children with ADHD, these behaviors are so frequent that they make it hard for the child to learn in school, get along with others and be safe.

Although specific symptoms of ADHD vary from child to child, a child with ADHD generally shows several of the following characteristics:

1. Difficulty organizing work, often giving the impression of not having heard the teacher's instructions
2. Easily distracted
3. Excessively restless or fidgety behavior; unable to stay seated
4. Impulsive behavior (acts without thinking)
5. Carelessness
6. Frequently calling out in class (without raising hand, yelling out answer before question is finished)
7. Failing to follow through with teachers' or parents' requests
8. Difficulty waiting for his or her turn in group settings
9. Unable to stay focused on a game, project or homework assignment; often moving from one activity to the next without completing any

Many children with ADHD also show symptoms of other behavioral or psychiatric conditions. These associated conditions include learning disabilities and disorders characterized by disruptive behavior.

Learning disabilities

Studies have shown that at least 20% of children with ADHD also have learning disabilities. This is many times greater than the rate seen in the general population. The child may become angry and frustrated because of problems related to his or her learning disability.

Oppositional defiant or conduct disorders

These behavior disorders, which involve frequent outbursts of extremely negative, angry or mean behavior, affect up to one-third of all children who have ADHD. Studies have shown that children who have both ADHD and behavioral disturbances are more likely to have a poor long-term outcome, with higher rates of school failure, antisocial behaviors and substance abuse. In most children with ADHD, symptoms begin before age 7 and last through adolescence. In some cases, symptoms continue into adulthood.

Don't Judge, Adjust