ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without Hyperactivity, has been described as a condition when, compared with most children of the same age and sex, and in more than one setting, the child has a range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span.

These can include:

• inattentiveness

• impulsiveness, not thinking before saying or doing something

• restlessness

• hyperactivity, unable to control the amount of physical activity which is appropriate to a situation

• poor learning and socialising skills

Hyperkinetic Syndrome or Disorder is the term used by the World Health Organisation (the European Guidelines) when comparing extreme levels of motor activity in children with ‘normal’ peers. It is now recognised as a sub-category of AD/HD that applies to highly hyperactive children.

Three sub-types have been recognised:

• ADD with hyperactivity (the ‘impulsive-hyperactive’ type)

• ADD without hyperactivity (the ‘inattentive-impulsive’ type)

• ADD - residual type (found in adults whose childhood symptoms persist after adolescence)

It is estimated that in the USA 5% of children may suffer from AD/HD. In the UK standards are organised in a different way and experts believe the rate here to be about 1.7%.

The condition is more common in boys, who are also more likely to be hyperactive.

Attention Difficulties: A child must exhibit at least six of the following symptoms for at least six months:
Failing to pay close attention to detail and making careless errors; failing to finish tasks; appearing not to
listen; failing to follow through instructions; disorganised; avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort;
losing things e.g. pencils, books, toys; easily distracted; forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity: A child must exhibit at least three of the following symptoms for at least six months:
Runs around or excessively climbs over things; noisy or can’t take part in quiet activities; unable to stay
in a seat; fidgets with hands and feet or squirms on seat.