Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that first becomes evident in childhood. To the lay person, a child that merely runs around and does not sit still may be dubbed to be diagnosed with ADHD. This is oftentimes not the case. The difficult task left to trained professionals is differentiating normal childhood behaviors from ADHD diagnostic criteria behaviors.

The three classic features of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Signs of inattention include: poor attention to details, difficulty maintaining attention to activities or tasks, appears to not pay attention when spoken to directly, does not complete tasks or has difficulty sticking to instructions, difficulty organizing activities, dislikes schoolwork or homework because the tasks require continued mental effort, losing or forgetting important task-related items, easily distracted by sights and sounds, and forgetfulness. Signs of hyperactivity include: fidgetiness, inability to sit still, does not remain seated when expected, runs or climbs in situations when these activities are inappropriate, feeling restless, inability to play fun activities in a quiet manner, seems as if they are constantly “on the go” or as if they are “driven by a motor,” and talking excessively. Signs of impulsivity include: blurting out answers without hearing the entire question being asked, difficulty taking turns, difficulty waiting in line, and often interrupting others.

If you meet the average 5 year-old, it would be hard not to notice some of these symptoms and think, “they all have ADHD.” To the trained clinical eye, however, it is easier to tease out the difference between age-appropriate behaviors and ADHD diagnostic criteria. Kids with ADHD present with either mostly inattentive symptoms, mostly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, or both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Some of these symptoms are often present in kids before they turn 7 years old. These symptoms are also evident in kids with ADHD in a variety of situations, such as at home and at school. ADHD symptomatology tends to cause problems with the child’s relationships and school performance, such as poor academic performance, difficulty with peers, or multiple accidental injuries. ADHD tends to be more common in boys than girls. It is also possible to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, although, it is very important to determine whether these symptoms were present from early childhood.

ADHD is a treatable condition. Current options for treating ADHD include psychotropic medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It will be important to discuss your concerns about medications for your child with a professional trained in treating ADHD. CBT provides an alternative to medications. Some CBT interventions include building skills to counteract symptoms of ADHD such as self-monitoring their behaviors to reinforce desired behaviors and understanding the contingency of their behaviors to improve their problem solving skills. Parents of children with ADHD are typically involved in CBT treatment to assist with implementing the skills taught to their children. With treatment, a person with ADHD will be more able to overcome the effects of their symptoms on their relationships, school work, self-image, and emotional development.

Tip: On a sheet of paper, list your recent behaviors and the consequences of your actions. When you are faced with similar situations, refer back to your list to see which behaviors will lead to which consequences.