Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known by the acronym ADHD, is characterized by the simultaneous presence, or not, of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is a common childhood disorder, but it can also persist in adults when it is not treated as a child.

The first signs of this disease are excessive inattention, agitation, stubbornness, aggressiveness or impulsive attitudes, which cause the child to behave inappropriately, which impairs school performance, since he does not pay attention, does not concentrate and is easily distracted, besides being able to cause a lot of stress and stress to parents, family and caregivers.

These symptoms appear, mainly, before the age of 7 and are easier to identify in boys than in girls, as they tend to show clearer signs. Its causes are not known, but there are some genetic and environmental factors, such as family problems and conflicts, which can lead to the onset and persistence of the disease.

If you are unsure whether you are ADHD, take our test by answering the following questions to find out what the risk is:

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Are you rubbing your hands, feet or squirming in your chair?

• Yes No

Is the child messy and leaves everything out of place?

• Yes No

Is it difficult for her to stand and watch a movie until the end?

• Yes No

Does she seem not to listen when you talk to her and leave you talking to yourself?

• Yes No

Is it too agitated and comes up on furniture or cabinets even when it is totally inappropriate?

• Yes No

Doesn't she like calm and serene activities like Yoga class or meditation?

• Yes No

Does she have a hard time waiting for her turn and pass in front of others?

• Yes No

Do you have any difficulty staying seated for more than 1 hour?

• Yes No

Are you easily distracted at school, or when you talk to her?

• Yes No

Are you very agitated when listening to music or are you in a new environment with many people?

• Yes No

Does the child like to be hurt by scratches or bites by doing this on purpose?

• Yes No

Does the child have difficulty following the instructions that another person gives?

• Yes No

Does the child have difficulty paying attention at school and is even distracted by a game he likes a lot?

• Yes No

Does the child have difficulty completing one task because he is distracted and immediately starts another?

• Yes No

Does the child find it difficult to play in a quiet and peaceful way?

• Yes No

Does the child talk a lot?

• Yes No

Does the child usually interrupt or disturb others?

• Yes No

Does the child seem not to hear what is being said, often?

• Yes No

Are you always missing out on things needed for tasks or activities at school or at home?

• Yes No

Does the child like to participate in dangerous activities without considering the possible consequences?

• Yes No

Main symptoms of ADHD

Since attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder, its signs and symptoms are generally divided into 3 groups:

Inattention can be identified by:

1. Difficulty paying attention or erring carelessly in play, school or work activities; Seem not to listen when you speak to him; Do not follow instructions in school, domestic or professional duties; Lose things necessary for tasks or activities; Avoid tasks that require constant mental effort; Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities.

Hyperactivity has the following characteristics:

1. Shake hands or feet or fidget in the chair; Abandon the classroom chair or other situations where you are expected to remain seated; Run or climb objects in an exaggerated way, in inappropriate situations; Difficulty in playing or being silently involved in leisure activities; being frequently "in awe" or often acting as if "in full swing"; speaking in an exaggerated manner.

The symptoms of impulsivity are:

1. Give hasty answers before the questions have been completed, having difficulty waiting for your turn; Interrupt or meddle in other people's affairs.

The hyperactive child can demonstrate this behavior anywhere, such as at school, at home, at church, and are very stressful to parents, caregivers or teachers. Before thinking about attention deficit and hyperactivity, it is important to observe the signs that the child shows and try to understand it, since nervousness, fear or tiredness, for example, are situations that can also generate changes in behavior.

What to do in case of suspicion

If ADHD is suspected, it is important to consult the pediatrician to observe the child's behavior and assess whether there is a need for concern. If he identifies signs of the disorder, he may indicate to see another specialist, as, normally, the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is made by a psychiatrist or neuropediatrician at preschool age.

To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist may ask to observe the child at school, at home and in other places of his daily life to confirm that there are at least 6 signs that indicate the presence of the disorder.

The treatment of this disorder includes the use of medications, such as Ritalin, in addition to behavioral therapy with a psychologist or a combination of these. To understand how this disease is treated, check out ADHD treatment.

What is the difference between hyperactivity and autism

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be confused with autism, and even cause some confusion for parents and family members. This is because both, the disorders, share similar symptoms such as having difficulty paying attention, not being able to be quiet or having difficulty waiting for your turn, for example.

However, they are completely different disorders, especially in what is at the origin of each problem. That is, while in hyperactivity, the symptoms are related to the way the brain grows and develops, in autism there are several problems with the child's entire development, which can affect language, behavior, social interaction and the ability to learn. However, it is possible for a child to have both ADHD and autism.

Thus, and since it can be difficult for parents to identify differences at home, it is always best to consult a pediatrician or psychologist to make the correct diagnosis and initiate the best type of treatment, appropriate to the child's real needs.