ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal
levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their
attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. Both adults and children can have ADHD

SYMPTOMS

Inattentive. A child with ADHD:

 Is easily distracted
 Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
 Doesn't seem to be listening
 Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
 Forgets about daily activities
 Has problems organizing daily tasks
 Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
 Often loses things
 Tends to daydream

Hyperactive-impulsive. A child with ADHD:

 Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting

 Doesn't stay seated
 Has trouble playing quietly
 Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more often
described as restlessness.)
 Talks excessively
 Is always “on the go,” as if “driven by a motor”
 Has trouble waiting his or her turn
 Blurts out answers
 Interrupts others

CAUSES of ADHD

 Genes. ADHD tends to run in families.

 Chemicals. /Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance.
 Brain  changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD.
 Poor  nutrition , infections,  smoking , drinking, and substance abuse during  pregnancy . These
things can affect a baby’s brain development.
 Toxins, such as lead. They may affect a child's brain development.
 A brain injury or a brain disorder. Damage to the front of the brain, called the frontal lobe, can
cause problems controlling impulses and emotions.

Therapy

 Special education helps a child learn at school. Having structure and a routine can help
children with ADHD a lot.
 Behavior modification teaches ways to replace bad behaviors with good ones.
 Psychotherapy  (counseling) can help someone with ADHD learn better ways to handle their
emotions and frustration. It could help improve their self-esteem. Counseling may also help
family members better understand a child or adult with ADHD.
 Social skills training can teach behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing.

TIPS FOR MANAGING ADHD (Cont’d)

 Be patient.
 Be persistent.
 Be understanding.
 Most importantly, remember to differentiate the behaviors from the child –bad
behaviors are not synonymous with a bad child.