Your Guide to the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder

For parents diagnosing ADD/ADHD in their children, it isDiagnosing add ADHD requires the above set of
of utmost importance to be familiar with the symptomssymptoms of attention deficit disorder, along with at
of attention deficit disorder. Children mature at differentleast six of these other symptoms displayed: fidgeting,
rates, but most small children show some of thenot being able to stay in their seat, restlessness, inability
symptoms. A lack of attentiveness becomes ato play quietly, acts like they are "driven by a motor",
problem when it is inappropriate for the child's age.overly talkative, blurts out answers, can't wait their turn,
So what specifically are the symptoms of attentionand interrupts others' conversations.
deficit disorder? According to the Diagnostic &There is more to diagnosing add ADHD, however, than
Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders for the yearjust the presence of the symptoms of attention deficit
2000, there are nine ADD symptoms and nine moredisorder. For one thing, the symptoms must cause
symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity used forsignificant impairment to the child in school and in social
diagnosing add ADHD. ADD is diagnosed when theactivities. Also, the symptoms must be present in more
symptoms of inattentiveness are present for 6 monthsthan one setting. For instance, if the child only shows
or more. ADHD is diagnosed when ADD is presentthem at school and not at home, it indicates that the
and the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity areproblem is something other than ADD.
also present.Finally, for diagnosing ADD ADHD, it is essential that
To qualify as symptoms of attention deficit disorder,there is no other diagnosis of a mental condition. If the
the child must display the characteristics often enoughchild can be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a mood
for them to cause problems for him or her socially anddisorder, or a developmental disability, that will stand as
academically. If a child displays 6 of the following 9the primary diagnosis. This is because the symptoms
characteristics, ADD is probable:of attention deficit disorder are often present in these
1) The child makes careless mistakes in schoolworkconditions.
and does not pay attention to details.If your child is diagnosed with add or ADHD, the doctor
2) The child has problems keeping his or her mind onwill normally recommend stimulant medication. Before
play or work activities.moving forward with this type of medication, educate
3) When you speak to the children with ADD, theyyourself so you know what you are getting into. The
don't seem to pay attention.side effects of stimulant medication are numerous and
4) They don't finish their school assignments, but it issometimes severe.
not because they are being oppositional. In otherWe have found that a more natural approach has
words, they can't finish their work, whether they wantgiven great results in improving behavior and
to or not.concentration. By focusing on diet and using herbal
5) The child is disorganized.supplements, our son's behavior has turned around
6) The child doesn't like school or other activities thatcompletely. It is important to look beyond the doctor's
require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time.recommendations when diagnosing add, ADHD and
7) Children with ADD tend to lose things they need forother behavioral issues. By doing so, you will avoid the
school, such as pencils, assignments, and the like.pitfalls of stimulant medication and provide a healthier
8) ADD children tend to be distracting.future for your child.
9) And finally, they tend to be forgetful.