Symptoms of ADHD

What are some signs of ADHD in children? Does your child strike you as fidgety or does she have problems concentrating, but you're not sure if it's ADHD? Having a look at the signs and symptoms of ADHD will help clarify your concerns. It's important to have your child visit a specialist for ADHD testing if you believe she has ADHD; so that you can explore treatment options, both prescription and drug-free, that will help your child with ADHD flourish. We'll also take a look at other disorders that frequently occur alongside ADHD. Lastly, it is beneficial for children with ADHD to take a look at what it feels like to have ADHD in order to distinguish certain frustrating behaviors and emotions they have that occur because of ADHD. This gives children the opportunity to understand how ADHD affects them and can help them cope with the frustrations of ADHD.

A Note About ADHD Symptoms
Your child may either exhibit symptoms of inattentiveness, symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, or a combination of the two. This dictates what subtype of ADHD your child has.

Also, symptoms of ADHD vary from day to day. This often leads people to believe that children with ADHD can 'control' either attention or outbursts. This is far from the case. In actuality, symptoms vary depending on the situation and sometimes on environmental factors, such as how individuals around the ADHD child deal with that child.

Lastly, for your child to have ADHD, symptoms must:

  • be present in at least two 'settings' (such as home, school, ballet class, etc)
  • cause significant impairment

Symptoms of Inattentiveness
  • makes many careless mistakes
  • has trouble remembering or even ignores details
  • has difficulties sustaining attention when spoken to directly
  • has trouble following instructions
  • seems forgetful and disorganized
Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
  • physically restless
  • difficulty staying seated
  • talks excessively
  • fidgets a lot
  • always in motion : running, climbing, crawling into things
  • interrupts others
  • have a hard time waiting their turn
  • speaks without filtering thoughts

If your child has already gone through a test for ADHD and the results are positive, then read up on treatment options and coping mechanisms.

Comorbidity: Disorders or Disabilities That Accompany ADHD
Individuals with ADHD are at an increased risk for having accompanying psychiatric disorders. These disorders can at times mask the symptoms of ADHD and at other times aggravate and worsen the symptoms of ADHD.

  • learning disabilities
  • oppositional defiant disorder
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • conduct disorder
  • bipolar disorder

This highlights the importance of seeing a therapist (psychiatrist or psychologist) who has experience with ADHD. It is difficult for individuals without a background in psychology to diagnose these complex disorders. Furthermore, there are many effects of ADHD on individuals. For example, children with ADHD have poor self-esteem because they don't understand their inability to pay attention or sit calmly. Parents of children with ADHD are also more likely to divorce or separate. Seeking a diagnoses for ADHD is the first step on the road to recovery.

Dealing with ADD and ADHD in children can be emotionally challenging. For support, join our online forum.