Attention-deficit
hyperactivity
disorder
(ADHD)
is a
condition
that
makes it
hard for
affected
children
to
control
their
behaviour
and pay
attention.
It is
sometimes
referred
to as
ADD
(attention
deficit
disorder).
ADHD
is an
illness
and can
be
treated.
ADHD
usually
becomes
apparent
in
children
in the
preschool
and
early
school
years.
ADHD
is not
limited
to
childhood
and
often
continues
into
adulthood.
What
causes
ADHD?
The
exact
cause
for ADHD
is
unkown,
but it
tends to
run in
families.
What are
the
symptoms
of ADHD?
The
principal
characteristics
of ADHD
are
inattention,
hyperactivity,
and
impulsivity.
However,
not
everyone
who is
overly
hyperactive,
inattentive,
or
impulsive
has
ADHD. In
fact,
most
"normal"
children
have
trouble
sitting
still.
And few
children
can sit
through
meals
without
tapping
or
fidgeting.
So how
do you
know
what is
normal
and what
is ADHD?
Only a
doctor
can tell
you for
certain.
How is
ADHD
diagnosed?
A
paediatrician
or child
psychiatrist
will be
able to
help
with
diagnosis.
In
addition
to
finding
out
about
your
childs
current
and past
behaviour
(eg.
reports
from
school
teachers),
the
doctor
will
also
want to
look for
other
possible
causes
of the
behaviour.
Sometimes
children
who are
dealing
with
divorce,
death,
or other
problems
may act
in a way
that
looks
like,
but
isn’t,
ADHD.
In
addition
to
possible
family
problems
as a
causative
factor,
other
factors
must be
ruled
out as a
cause
for the
child's
behaviour.
Such
factors
include:
undetected
seizures,
a middle
ear
infection
that is
causing
hearing
problems,
medical
disorders
that may
affect
brain
functioning,
underachievement
caused
by
learning
disability,
and
anxiety
or
depression.
Can ADHD
be
treated?
Yes.
ADHD is
an
illness
and can
be
treated:
-
medication
-
behaviour
therapy
Medication
and
behaviour
therapy
are
safe,
proven
to work,
and are
most
effective
when
used
together.
