Attention Deficit Hhyperactivity Disorder - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Causes of Attention Deficit Hhyperactivity Disorder

There are a variety of causes for poor attention, concentration and impulse control. A partial list would include the following:

• Immaturity and slow psychological development
• Learning disabilities such as dyslexia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low thyroid
• Low motivation
• Lack of sufficient sleep
• Poor nutrition
• Boredom due to lack of challenge

What Are the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hhyperactivity Disorder?

ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder , or ADD . In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:

1. an inattentive type , with signs that include:

• inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
• difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
• apparent listening problems
• difficulty following instructions
• problems with organization
• avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
• tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
• distractibility
• forgetfulness in daily activities

2. a hyperactive-impulsive type , with signs that include:

• fidgeting or squirming
• difficulty remaining seated
• excessive running or climbing
• difficulty playing quietly
• always seeming to be "on the go"
• excessive talking
• blurting out answers before hearing the full question
• difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
• problems with interrupting or intruding

3. a combined type , which involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common 

How Is It Diagnosed of Attention Deficit Hhyperactivity Disorder ?

To be considered for a diagnosis of ADHD:

• a child must display behaviors from one of the three subtypes before age 7
• these behaviors must be more severe than in other kids the same age
• the behaviors must last for at least 6 months
• the behaviors must occur in and negatively affect at least two areas of a child's life (such as school, home, day-care settings, or friendships)