ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder is the most common childhood-onset behavioural disorder. Those affected have a greatly reduced ability to maintain attention without being distracted, to control what they are doing or saying (because of impulsivity) and to control the amount of physical activity appropriate to the situation (ie. they are restless and fidgety). ADHD may also be called attention deficit disorder (ADD) or more commonly hyperactivity.

Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD can be difficult as many of the symptoms can (to some extent) at some point occur in any child. The recommendation is that symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months and occur in more than one setting. Also the symptoms must be outside what is normal for children of a similar age.

ADHD/ADD is often characterized by the following symptoms being presents: -

Inattention -

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention in play activities or task
• Does not seem to listen
• Does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores
• Difficulty organising tasks
• Dislikes and avoids tasks the require sustained mental effort
• Often loses things
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful in activities.

Hyperactivity

• Often fidgets or squirms
• Runs or climbs about at inappropriate times
• Can have difficulty playing quietly
• Can seem 'on the go' for most of the time
• May talk excessively