Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
Lots of controversy surrounds ADD and ADHD in children. Strong and differing opinions exist on how schools and doctors should handle ADD and ADHD. A little known fact is that several adults also struggle with these disorders.
Symptoms of ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) fall into three classes:.
* Problems with attention. ADD/ADHD sufferers have more trouble paying attention than others.
* Hyperactivity. People with ADD/ADHD struggle with sitting still.
* Impulsiveness. ADD/ADHD sufferers cannot control impulses to speak or move.
A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD does not require symptoms in all 3 categories. All 3 types of symptoms could be present, or the ADD/ADHD person may have only one kind of symptom.
ADD/ADHD is characterised by the following symptoms:
* Fidgeting and jumping out of one's chair.
* Being impatient.
* Unable to follow instructions.
* Interrupting a question to answer.
* Tendency to speak too much and interrupt.
* Does not listen.
* Trouble finishing tasks.
* Frequently forgetful.
* Loses track of things.
Getting to a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD will take time. Diagnosis can take a while whether or not it is a kid or an adult having symptoms. Doctors use four separate criteria to diagnose ADD/ADHD. Four criteria that has to be present are:.
* Symptoms must have started before age seven.
* Symptoms must be evident in a minimum of 2 separate settings, for example home, work, or school.
* Symptoms must prevent normal functioning in these situations.
* Symptoms are not an effect of any different illness or condition.
Self-diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is not recommended. People coping with ADD/ADHD should see a physician or mental health professional to rule out other causes.
ADD/ADHD often is wrongly diagnosed when the real problem is situational or behavioral. ADD/ADHD medications can not help behavioral or situational problems.
Behavioral methods are the best treatment for behavioral problems. Situational causes are common when adults and kids show ADD-like symptoms. A boring class or a bad employment situation can cause ADD-like symptoms. Jumping to an ADD/ADHD diagnosis too soon can cause unnecessary medication and ineffective treatment.
ADD/ADHD might well have a physical cause. Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders do typically overlap with ADD/ADHD. Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment Effective treatment of underlying depression and anxiety must go hand in hand with ADD/ADHD treatment if both are present.
Anxiety and depression can not be effectively treated unless any ADD/ADHD is treated too. Sustainable recovery is more likely when all conditions are diagnosed and treated at once.
