Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refer to a range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span. These may include impulsiveness, restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness, and often prevent children from learning and socialising well. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder.

Attention difficulties
A child must have exhibited at least six of the following symptoms for at least six months to an extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.

Fails to pay close attention to detail or makes careless errors during work or play.
Fails to finish tasks or sustain attention in play activities.
Seems not to listen to what is said to him or her.
Fails to follow through instructions or to finish homework or chores (not because of confrontational behaviour or failure to understand instructions).
Disorganised about tasks and activities.
Avoids tasks like homework that require sustained mental effort.
Loses things necessary for certain tasks or activities, such as pencils, books or toys.
Easily distracted.
Forgetful in the course of daily activities.

Hyperactivity
A child must have exhibited at least three of the following symptoms for at least six months to an extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.

Runs around or excessively climbs over things. (In adolescents or adults only feelings of restlessness may occur.)
Unduly noisy in playing, or has difficulty in engaging in quiet leisure activities.
Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations where remaining seated is expected.
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms on seat.

Impulsivity
At least one of the following symptoms must have persisted at least for six months to an extent that is unusual for their age and level of intelligence.

Blurts out answers before the questions have been completed.
Fails to wait in lines or await turns in games or group situations.
Interrupts or intrudes on others, e.g. butts into others conversations or games.
Talks excessively without appropriate response to social restraint.

Pervasiveness of attention difficulties and hyperactivity
For a diagnosis or description of ADHD a child would be expected to show the above difficulties in more than one setting, eg at school and at home.

Sometimes problems are not shown 'at home' but are very evident when a child goes to a hospital department. This can happen when parents do not realise that their child's behaviour is out of the normal range (perhaps because they have no other children, or they have other children who behave similarly). It may also be because the problems are mild, or because the family has handled the attention lack at home in such a way that it is not evident there is a major problem, or because the child is very young. In those cases it is quite reasonable for parents not to consider that their child has an attention deficit problem.

Many children simply outgrow ADHD. About half of those affected appear to function normally by young adulthood, but a significant number will have problems that persist into adult life. These may take the form of depression, irritability, antisocial behaviour and attention problems.


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