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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known by the acronym ADHD, is characterized by the simultaneous presence, or not, of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is a common childhood disorder, but it can also persist in adults when it is not treated as a child.
The first signs of this disease are excessive inattention, agitation, stubbornness, aggressiveness or impulsive attitudes, which cause the child to behave inappropriately, which impairs school performance, since he does not pay attention, does not concentrate and is easily distracted , besides being able to cause a lot of stress and stress to parents, family and caregivers.
These symptoms appear, mainly, before the age of 7 and are easier to identify in boys than in girls, as they tend to show clearer signs. Its causes are not known, but there are some genetic and environmental factors, such as family problems and conflicts, which can lead to the onset and persistence of the disease.
If you are unsure whether you are ADHD, take our test by answering the following questions to find out what the risk is:
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Are you rubbing your hands, feet or squirming in your chair?
Is the child messy and leaves everything out of place?
Is it difficult for her to stand and watch a movie until the end?
Does she seem not to listen when you talk to her and leave you talking to yourself?
Is it too agitated and comes up on furniture or cabinets even when it is totally inappropriate?
Doesn't she like calm and serene activities like Yoga or meditation classes at all?
Does she have difficulty waiting for her turn and pass in front of others?
Do you have any difficulty staying seated for more than 1 hour?
Are you easily distracted at school, or when you talk to her?
Are you very agitated when listening to music or in a new environment with many people?
Does the child like to be hurt by scratches or bites by doing this on purpose?
Does the child have difficulty following the instructions that another person gives?
Does the child have difficulty paying attention at school and is even distracted by a game he likes a lot?
Does the child have difficulty completing one task because he is distracted and immediately starts another?
Does the child find it difficult to play in a quiet and peaceful way?
Does the child talk a lot?
Does the child usually interrupt or disturb others?
Does the child seem not to hear what is being said, often?
Are you always missing out on things needed for tasks or activities at school or at home?
Does the child like to participate in dangerous activities without considering the possible consequences?
Main symptoms of ADHD
Since attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder, its signs and symptoms are generally divided into 3 groups:
Inattention can be identified by:
- Difficulty paying attention or erring carelessly in playful, school or work activities;
- Seeming not to listen when you speak to him;
- Do not follow instructions in school, domestic or professional duties;
- Losing things needed for tasks or activities;
- Avoid tasks that require constant mental effort;
- Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities.
Hyperactivity has the following characteristics:
- Shake hands or feet or fidget in the chair;
- Abandon the classroom chair or other situations where you are expected to remain seated;
- Running or climbing objects in an exaggerated way, in inappropriate situations;
- Difficulty playing or silently engaging in leisure activities;
- Often be "in awe" or often act as if "in full swing";
- Speak in an exaggerated way.
The symptoms of impulsivity are:
- Give hasty answers before the questions have been completed;
- Having difficulty waiting for your turn;
- Interrupt or meddle in other people's affairs.
The hyperactive child can demonstrate this behavior anywhere, such as at school, at home, at church, and are very stressful to parents, caregivers or teachers. Before thinking about attention deficit and hyperactivity, it is important to observe the signs that the child shows and try to understand him, since nervousness, fear or tiredness, for example, are situations that can also generate changes in behavior.
What to do in case of suspicion
If ADHD is suspected, it is important to consult the pediatrician to observe the child's behavior and assess whether there is a need for concern. If he identifies signs of the disorder, he may indicate to see another specialist, as, normally, the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is made by a psychiatrist or neuropediatrician at preschool age.
To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist may ask to observe the child at school, at home and in other places of his daily life to confirm that there are at least 6 signs that indicate the presence of the disorder.
The treatment of this disorder includes the use of medications, such as Ritalin, in addition to behavioral therapy with a psychologist or a combination of these. To understand how this disease is treated, check out ADHD treatment.
What is the difference between hyperactivity and autism
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be confused with autism, and even cause some confusion for parents and family members. This is because both, the disorders, share similar symptoms such as having difficulty paying attention, not being able to be quiet or having difficulty waiting for your turn, for example.
However, they are completely different disorders, especially in what is at the origin of each problem. That is, while in hyperactivity, the symptoms are related to the way the brain grows and develops, in autism there are several problems with the child's entire development, which can affect language, behavior, social interaction and the ability to learn. However, it is possible for a child to have both ADHD and autism.
Thus, and since it can be difficult for parents to identify differences at home, it is always best to consult a pediatrician or psychologist to make the correct diagnosis and initiate the best type of treatment, appropriate to the child's real needs.