ADHD
Many young children are active and energetic, and distinguishing between normal levels of energy and hyperactivity may be difficult at times. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects three to five percent of children and occurs three to four times more often in males than females.
There are criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD, and your pediatrician will obtain information from you and your child’s teacher to make the diagnosis. Symptoms of ADHD are noticed before seven years of age and are persistent, lasting longer than six months. Behaviors occur in multiple environments like at home and at school and cause significant impairment in school performance or social skills.
Children with ADHD have symptoms in one or more of three areas including inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Symptoms of inattention may include difficulty maintaining focus in work or play leading to incomplete tasks, difficulty listening and following instructions, or being easily distracted. Signs of impulsivity include frequently interrupting others or difficulty waiting one’s turn. Hyperactive children are often very fidgety or talk excessively, and they also are unable to play quietly or stay in their seats at appropriate times.
All children will have periods of hyperactivity. Concern for ADHD develops if these symptoms are excessive compared to others his age, are persistent with increasing age, occur in multiple environments, and interfere with your child’s academic or social success. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, discuss them with your pediatrician to learn more about the diagnosis and management of ADHD.
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