Does your child seem unusually active or jumpy? What about the ability to concentrate and focus? Do they act impulsively in a manner that is causing problems at home or school? There is a possibility that your child might have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These are among the most common of diagnosed childhood disorders and will normally present in childhood before the age of seven. With complex symptoms ADD and ADHD can often be confused with other disorders. Therefore it is paramount for you to have a proper diagnosis from a qualified child psychiatrist or trained therapist in the field. There are many complexities involved. For your peace of mind you will want to have your child assessed by someone that truly knows what they are doing and only wants the best for the child. In the meantime, we have provided some information for you to help you become armed with needed information so as to understand what may be going on.

According to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision), there are three subtypes of these disorders. Typically one or the other of the patterns is predominant and need to have been present for the past six months and caused significant problems in areas of like such as school and home. The subtypes are

a.     Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type: This is used if six (or more) of the below symptoms of the Inattentive Type, and six (or more) of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months. Most children are diagnosed with this type.

b.    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: This subtype should be used if six (or more) of the symptoms of inattention (but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least 6 months. Hyperactivity may still be a significant clinical feature in many such cases, whereas other cases are more purely inattentive.

c.     Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type: This subtype should be used if six (or more) of the symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six symptoms of inattention) have persisted for at least 6 months. Inattention may often still be a significant clinical feature in such cases.

For simplicity, we have referenced symptoms according to NIMH (National Institute for Mental Health) and have listed them below (these are not taken directly from the DSM-IV-TR but are simply paraphrased).

 Children who have symptoms of Predominantly Inattentive Type (Inattention) may:

      Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another

      Have difficulty focusing on one thing

      Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable

      Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new

      Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities

      Not seem to listen when spoken to

      Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly

      Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others

      Struggle to follow instructions.

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:

      Fidget and squirm in their seats

      Talk nonstop

      Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight

      Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time

      Be constantly in motion

      Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

      Be very impatient

      Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences

      Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games

      Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

If you can identify with the above in your child(ren) we strongly suggest contacting your pediatrician for a referral to a qualified child psychologist for a comprehensive assessment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist for medication. If you are seeking support for yourself please give our online support group a try. There is a free 30 day trial with no obligation.