| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the | | | | child has ADHD you should speak to your GP. It is |
| most common behaviour disorder in children, affecting | | | | worth speaking to your child’s teachers too, they |
| up to seven per cent of school age children. ADHD | | | | may have noticed different symptoms than you have. |
| often coexists with other disorders such as learning | | | | Both your GP and your child’s school can arrange |
| disabilities or anxiety disorders or even substance | | | | for you to see a specialist, usually a child psychiatrist. |
| induced mood swings. Some of the symptoms are | | | | They will assess your child and start treatment. |
| distractibility, irritability, poor concentration, hyperactivity, | | | | Unfortunately this process is not simple as ADHD is |
| impulsivity, insomnia. As children grow in to their teens | | | | very hard to diagnose as there can be very similar |
| the hormonal changes in adolescence can intensify the | | | | disorders. If you believe that your child does have |
| symptoms. | | | | ADHD then do try to pursue it, keep talking to your GP |
| Children With ADHD tend to be constantly moving and | | | | and the teachers until you feel your child is getting the |
| fidgeting. They don’t seem to listen and often talk | | | | best care. It may help to keep a diary of your |
| excessively. They have difficulty playing quietly and | | | | child’s behaviour so that when you see a specialist |
| they will often interrupt or intrude on others. They are | | | | you have examples that can help with diagnosis. |
| easily distracted and don’t finish tasks. | | | | It can often be frustrating waiting for your child to get |
| Some behaviours can appear to be ADHD but | | | | a diagnosis. It may be worth getting in contact with a |
| aren’t. Some causes of similar behaviour to ADHD | | | | support group of parents who have children With |
| are a sudden life change (a divorce or death of a | | | | ADHD and who know what you are going through. |
| family member), undetected seizures, medical | | | | ADHD can have a devastating effect not only on the |
| disorders affecting brain function, anxiety and | | | | child, but on the whole family. There are many |
| depression. | | | | organisations that can help children and families with |
| Diagnosis of ADHD is not easy. If you suspect your | | | | the effects of ADHD. |