What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder in which a child displays hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior that is age-inappropriate.

ADHD is a result of an atypical chemical balance in the brain, which means that ADHD is a physical problem, not an emotional problem.

Outside factors, such as poor parenting, a chaotic home situation, divorce, or school stresses may affect how the symptoms come to light, but they do not cause ADHD. In order to diagnose ADHD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR]), problems of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity must interfere with a child’s functioning in at least two settings (home, school, or social situations).

In addition, the guidelines state that at least some symptoms must have been present before the age of 7 years.

 

Core Symptoms of ADHD in Children

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

• Often fails to pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoollwork, work or other activities.
• Often has difficulty in sustaining attention in tasks or play
• Often does not listen when spoken to directly
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish a project, etc.
• Often has difficulty in organizing tasks and activities
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
• Is often distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which it is inappropriate; in adults or adolescents, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness
• Often runs or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate; in adoles cents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness
• Often has difficulty in playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• Is often “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”
• Often talks excessively

Impulsivity

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Often has difficulty in awaiting turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others
• Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment present before age 7
• Some impairment from the symptoms present in two or more settings (school, work, home)
• Clear evidence of significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning
• Symptoms not accounted for by another disorder and do not occur exclusively during another disorder.

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Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth

Edition, Text Revision. Copyright 2000 & DSM III American Psychiatric Association.

 

One of the most best audiobooks or interactive book to help parents who want to provide the best early childhood exposure to their kids who addicted to gadget is My First Book by MommyHana: https://www.mommyhana.com/index.php/product/my-first-book/

Help them compile a relaxation playlist to plug in to whenever they need a break from their thoughts.

 

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References: 100 Questions & Answers About Your Child’s ADHD: From Preschool to College, Second Edition, Ruth D. Nass, MD, Dern Leventhal, PhD