WHAT IS ADHD?

ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) in children, adolescents,  teenagers, and college students— this is a behavior disorder that is often diagnosed in childhood.  There are 3 presentations of ADHD which are as follows:

 

1. ADHD, inattentive. Children that are diagnosed with this type of ADHD are mostly inattentive and are easily distracted. 

2. ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive. Children are both hyperactive and impulsive.  Children with this type of ADHD typically do not have trouble paying attention.

3. ADHD, combined. This is the most common type of ADHD.  Children are impulsive and hyperactive.  They have trouble paying attention and are easily distracted. 

 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in a child? There are many different symptoms some of which are:

 

Inattention

• Short attention span

• Does not listen to others

• Does not follow through with homework, chores, etc.

• Poor organizational skills

• Poor study skills

• Often dislike doing work that requires a great deal of time and effort

• Lose things easily

• Forgetful

• Easily distractible

• Not able to stay on task

• Risk-taker

 

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Often unable to sit still when required to do so

• Yells out answers in class

• Does not like to wait for his/her turn with peers

• Tends to interrupt others’ conversations

• Often talks and cannot stop - like a motor

 

Teens with ADHD  will typically show fewer hyperactivity symptoms associated with ADHD; however, once in high school, they tend to suffer more socially and academically.  As a result of there being less structure in high school, these children need to have more autonomy and that puts more pressure on them leading to more stress.  Teenagers who struggle with ADHD can struggle with their peer relationships in high school as well which can result in them turning to risky behaviors to cope.  It is important for parents to communicate with their teenagers to see how they are doing and if they need any support during these years.