Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD) is the term used to describe an ongoing pattern of behaviour that begins early in Children and Adolescents. ADHD is the most common brain-based condition in childhood – affecting close to 10% of school-aged children. School can be particularly challenging for young people with ADHD and can significantly impact Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Not only because of the learning challenges but also the need to follow rules and social challenges. We discuss ADHD symptoms, the process of ADHD diagnosis and its treatment.

ADHD symptoms in Children and Adolescents include

• Difficulty ignoring distractions
• Problems Concentrating on what they are doing
• Trouble Beginning tasks (procrastination)
• Misplacing their possessions
• Acting without thinking (impulsivity) remembering to do things (forgetfulness), keeping up the mental effort required to do activities as well as problems in planning and organisation.
• Children and Adolescents with ADHD struggle to keep track of time
• Children with ADHD may struggle with managing feelings like annoyance and boredom
• Difficulty following rules at home and at school
• Problems with keeping themselves motivated

ADHD is a developmental condition (that often begins early in life) and in most cases persists (to some degree) throughout life. ADHD symptoms can present as a number of different behaviours described as hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive. Some Children and Adolescents may have greater difficulties in the area of hyperactivity and others may have greater difficulty sustaining attention. Furthermore, some Children and Adolescents may have a combination of both behaviours and these individuals will require specialized ADHD diagnosis and support.