What is it?
Well recognised in children, the spotlight on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder has also shifted to adults in recent years. However the clinical presentation of ADHD is very different between kids and adults and indeed even between genders. The 3 symptom domains of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
Unrecognised and untreated ADHD in children puts them at a huge disadvantage. As such, these children may fall behind academically, labeled as “slow” and have disciplinary issues at school.
In adults on the other hand, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder leads to poor work performance, puts them at increased risk of substance use, engaging in risky activities and mood disorders. In fact there is an association between ADHD in adults with Bipolar Disorders.
It is also pertinent to note that ADHD symptoms may also be present in people with Intellectual Disability and in those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD
How a child with this symptom may behave :
INATTENTION
- Often has a hard time paying attention, daydreams
- Often does not seem to listen
- Is easily distracted from work or play
- Often does not seem to care about details, makes careless mistakes
- Frequently does not follow through on instructions or finish tasks
- Is disorganised
- Frequently loses a lot important things
- Often forgets things
- Frequently avoid doing things that require ongoing mental effort
HYPERACTIVITY
- Is in constant motion, as if "driven by a motor"
- Cannot stay seated
- Frequently squirms and fidgets
- Talks too much
- Often run, jumps and climbs when this is not permitted
- Cannot play quietly
IMPULSIVITY
- Frequently acts and speaks without thinking
- May run into the streets without looking for traffic first
- Frequently has trouble taking turns
- Cannot wait for things
- Often calls out answers before the question is complete
- Frequently interrupts others