Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly studied and diagnosed mental disorder in children and adolescents [Wikipedia]*
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can affect a child’s performance at school, and can also cause problems at home or during recreational activities. ADHD is characterized by various symptoms which often seem usual for children of that age, making it difficult to recognize whether a child has ADHD or not.
Below we will list some of the most common ADHD symptoms in children, but an accurate diagnosis of ADHD can only be made when your child is examined by a mental health professional, especially since the occurrence and the weight of the ADHD signs vary to a large degree from person to person.
Is your child overly impulsive? Easily distracted, has trouble focusing and is interruptive? Those could all be signs of ADHD in children.
Check the full list below or download the infographic at the bottom of this page:
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- INATTENTION
Can’t focus on tasks and have trouble paying attention when someone is speaking directly to them.
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- HYPERACTIVITY
They have really hard time when stay seated. Fidget with or tap hands or feet, or squirm in seat. Manifest difficulty waiting for his or her turn and usually interrupt others when talking or cut into activities. Noticeable characteristic is impulsivity, being unable to think before acting.
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- DISORGANIZATION
Children never complete tasks and especially avoid activities that require a mental effort. Usually they perform activities in a messy, disorganized way.
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- FORGETFULNESS
Frequently forget daily tasks like homework or chores, and lose things such as toys and books. They make careless mistakes.
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- DAYDREAMING
It’s hard to get the attention of children with ADHD. They may stare into space, daydream, and ignore what’s going on around them.
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- EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY
Children have bursts of emotions (usually anger) at inappropriate or unexpected times.
These are the most common signs of ADHD manifested at children, However where and how often they are exhibited define whether a diagnosis is warranted. Setting a time to talk with a licensed mental health practitioner is the right thing to do if you start to notice these symptoms in your child.
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*For those who require a more accessible website, the Wikipedia article on ADHD can also be viewed here ADD and ADHD Web Accessible Article.
Dr Mahendra Perera is a General Psychiatrist who treats adult patients in Melbourne, Australia. Dr Perera has specific interests in ADHD, Mood Disorders and Addiction. In addition working with his patients, he has also contributed to research across a number of specialties and helped many young doctors make their way in the medical field. Learn more about Dr Perera.
Please note: Dr Perera has no financial arrangement with any of the providers listed on the site. These resources are provided as a courtesy to patients, and are not intended as a recommendation or endorsement.