| Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms come in many forms and no two people display the exact same behaviors which makes the disorder sometimes tricky to diagnose. Genrally speaking, someone with ADD will be extremely inattentive or uncontrollably active.
It's very often the case that people with ADD symptoms can't sit still, plan ahead, finish what they start, or be completely aware of what's going on around them.
The American Psychiatric Association lists the following Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and specifies that a certain number of them must be present for a child to be officially diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder):
- Often fidgety, squirmy or unable to remain seated - Seemingly impossible to wait their turn in games or activities - Frequently blurting out answers before questions are completed - Difficulty in following instructions - Difficulty holding attention in tasks or play activities. - Continuosly jumps from one unfinished activity to the next - Has a hard time playing quietly - Excessive talking, interrupting or intruding on others' activities - Doesn't listen - Usually forgets things - More than usual engaging in possibly in dangerous activities without considering possible consequences. - Easily distracted by irrelevant sights or sounds which others don't notice
After the first screening above, if a person is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, their behavior is further categorized into three specific groups to better describe the behavior: Inattentive Type (classic Attention Deficit Disorder), Hyperactive/Impulsive Type (classic Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and Combined Type (a combination of inattentive and hyperactive).
Since Attention Deficit Disorder cannot be seen in an x-ray or lab test, it can only be identified by examining the the certain behaviors mentioned above which can vary greatly from person to person.
Medical professionals widely agree that people do not outgrow Attention Deficit Disorder which makes it rather shocking to find out that pediatricians are the ones prescribing more than 50 percent of all amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin). And about 40 percent of all prescriptions for ADHD medications are written for children between three to nine years of age.
Most experts claim that the true prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder in the United States is about three to five percent (around two million children). But about six million children are taking prescriptions for these symptoms.
Boys are three times more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD and receive prescription stimulant ADHD medication. That boys are generally more rowdy and active than their traditionally calmer female counterparts should be no surprise to anyone who's often around young children. But it is surprising how often boys are labeled with having ADHD and how many of them are put on subscription medication in comparison to girls. But there is ongoing research and advancement within this rather controversial topic and the other various aspects of Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms every day. |