We all have trouble paying attention at one time or another, but some children (and adults) have repeated difficulties focusing their attention that affect their school performance and their ability to engage in appropriate behavior. Approximately 3-5% of children (and 2-4% of adults) are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These children display a persistent pattern of inattention and impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than that typically observed in children their age.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition), children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder experience either difficulties paying attention, or problems with impulsivity and hyperactivity (or both).
Symptoms of attention problems include:
- Careless mistakes; the failure to attend closely to details
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks across a variety of settings (including school, home, and play environments)
- Doesn't appear to listen when spoken to
- Failure to finish tasks and follow though on instructions
- Difficulty organizing tasks or activities
- Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require mental activity
- Forgetfulness, often loses items necessary to complete assigned tasks
- Easily distracted
Symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity include:
- Fidgeting
- Blurting out answers before questions are completed
- Difficulty staying in his or her seat (e.g., during class)
- Excessive running, climbing
- Has a hard time playing quietly
- Appears to be constantly on the go
- Talks excessively
- Difficult time with turn-taking
- Interrupts
Everyone shows signs of these behaviors at one time or another. A comprehensive evaluation is by a medical professional (e.g, psychologist, psychiatrist, physician) is needed to diagnose a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Treatment is essential because untreated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder impairs a child's ability to perform in school and make friends, which can in turn influence a child's sense of self esteem and cause emotional difficulties. Treatment requires a multi-modal intervention that involves each adult in the child's life. Treatment strategies include parental and teacher training in behavior management techniques, appropriate educational programs, individual and family counseling (if needed), and medication when required. If you think that your child may show symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, consult with your pediatrician.
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