What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
These terms are used to describe problems with behaviour, learning and mood.
Some children can be underactive (hypoactive) but the treatment remains the same.
They are often bright children who fail to reach their potential at school. This leads to frustration and low self-esteem.
They often come from a family with a history of allergies.
The following problems may be present some or all of the time...
Over Activity
Poor Concentration
Health
At each stage of life there will be signs pointing to ADHD.
Adults may have less hyperactivity but can experience other problems such as:
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
These terms are used to describe problems with behaviour, learning and mood.
Some children can be underactive (hypoactive) but the treatment remains the same.
They are often bright children who fail to reach their potential at school. This leads to frustration and low self-esteem.
They often come from a family with a history of allergies.
The following problems may be present some or all of the time...
Over Activity
- very restless, fidgety, can’t sit still
- needs constant attention
- touches everything
- impulsive - acts without thinking
- difficulty getting to sleep at night
Poor Concentration
- easily distracted
- fails to finish tasks
- poor listener
- cannot follow instructions
- very sensitive to sound, light and smells
- aggressive, disruptive,
- demanding - wants to be the centre of attention
- argues too much
- destructive, throws things
- rude, disobedient
- unresponsive to correction
- silly or even dangerous behaviour
- impatient, easily frustrated
- tantrums, moody
- cries easily, often unhappy
- clumsy, poor dexterity (butter fingers)
- handwriting can be easy to read one day and a scrawl the next
- reverses letters in words
Health
- excessive thirst
- sweating
- ear trouble (glue ear, ringing ears, dizziness)
- eye trouble (dark circles, puffiness)
- common allergies (hayfever, asthma, eczema)
- headaches, stomach aches, sore legs - growing pains
- craves food or drinks such as milk or sugar
- often unwell - prone to infections
At each stage of life there will be signs pointing to ADHD.
Adults may have less hyperactivity but can experience other problems such as:
- has trouble remembering things (forgetfulness)
- has trouble thinking (mind is foggy - feels like it's full of cotton wool)
- impatience, agitation
- anxiety or depression
- obsessiveness, rages
- the need to always be working - workaholic