| | | | | behaviour. However, if ADHD is present, the child will |
| How can you tell that certain attention deficit | | | | almost never sit and read a book or play quietly but |
| disorder symptoms are not just those of a normal | | | | is a constant stream of motion and that includes |
| energetic child who wants to let off steam and will | | | | twitching, fidgeting and squirming in their seats. They |
| run around and cause general mayhem? Experts tell | | | | run wild at times and seem to be eternally restless |
| us that the answer is that when this disruptive | | | | and talk far too much. They do not seem to have |
| behaviour becomes a barrier to normal development, | | | | problems with attention or concentration. |
| then it is time to think that ADHD might be the | | | | |
| cause. Symptoms of attention deficit disorder tend | | | | The third type is the Combined one which as its |
| to show a pattern whereby behaviour is so bad that | | | | name suggests displays symptoms from the first |
| it severely affects social relationships (eg. friends and | | | | two types and the child displays both hyperactive |
| schoolmates), school work suffers and family life is | | | | impulsive and inattentive symptoms to a greater or |
| hell! | | | | lesser degree. |
| | | | | |
| There are three categories of ADHD. Symptoms | | | | This article has looked at the main symptoms of |
| generally fall into these although they are not | | | | attention deficit disorder. Once diagnosis of ADHD |
| watertight. First there is the Mainly Inattentive Type. | | | | has been completed, parents have to decide about |
| The child is often spaced out and forgets things she | | | | ADHD medication. They will no doubt be alarmed |
| or he needs for play, school, homework and chores. | | | | about the recent New York Times article which |
| You might notice that listening is non-existent even | | | | reported that a fairly new stimulant drug (introduced |
| when you are speaking to them. Attention span | | | | in 1993) called Risperdal has probably been responsible |
| seems to be so short that tasks and even playtime | | | | for the deaths of 31 children! Other ADHD drugs |
| are often unfinished or left abandoned. The child is | | | | which are basically psychostimulants are widely |
| not hyperactive at all. | | | | prescribed now and there is a exponential growth in |
| | | | | the number of prescriptions being written. |
| The second one is what is known as the Hyperactive | | | | Wouldn't it be great if there was some sort of |
| Impulsive Type. As its name suggests impulsivity is | | | | medication which was safe, effective and non- |
| present in lots of situations- so no control at all in | | | | addictive? The link below will tell you about an ADHD |
| interrupting everything in an inappropriate fashion | | | | alternative therapy which many doctors or |
| ranging from playing, conversations and turn taking. | | | | pediatricians will dismiss but wise parents know is a |
| There has been much debate about the hyperactivity | | | | safe treatment which is risk-free.. |
| symptoms as some parents claim that this is normal | | | | |