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What is ADHD?
Please note: While we do diagnose and treat ADHD we currently only prescribe non-stimulant medications, if you have any questions or concerns please send us an email at support@drsheikha.com
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder of behavior, which usually starts in childhood, and though, it often improves with time, it may continue into adulthood. In fact, sometimes the condition is first diagnosed in adulthood. ADHD is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity. Some children or adults could have issues with attention only, and they are then classified as having ADD or attention deficit disorder.
Often young children could be overactive and appear to have little ability to focus their attention. The most prominent symptoms in young children are lack of attention in the extreme and being excessively overactive. Having ADHD can mean that a person cannot achieve their full potential in life as it is hard to concentrate adequately at school or work and it has a negative effect on relationships due to impulsive behavior.
What are the different types of ADHD?
Three major types of ADHD include the following:
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ADHD, combined type. This, the most common type of ADHD, is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors as well as inattention and distractibility.
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ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. This, the least common type of ADHD, is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors without inattention and distractibility.
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ADHD, inattentive and distractible type. This type of ADHD is characterized predominately by inattention and distractibility without hyperactivity.
What are the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
The following are the most common symptoms of ADHD. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following:
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Inattention:
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Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention)
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Difficulty listening to others
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Difficulty attending to details
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Easily distracted
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Forgetfulness
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Poor organizational skills for age
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Poor study skills for age
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Impulsivity:
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Often interrupts others
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Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn in school and/or social games
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Tends to blurt out answers instead of waiting to be called upon
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Takes frequent risks, and often without thinking before acting
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Hyperactivity:
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Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no apparent goal except motion
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Has difficulty remaining in his/her seat even when it is expected
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Fidgets with hands or squirms when in his or her seat; fidgeting excessively
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Talks excessively
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Has difficulty engaging in quiet activities
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Loses or forgets things repeatedly and often
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Inability to stay on task; shifts from one task to another without bringing any to completion
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The symptoms of ADHD may resemble other medical conditions or behavior problems. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms may occur in children and teens who do not have ADHD. A key element in diagnosis is that the symptoms must significantly impair adaptive functioning in both home and school environments. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.