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Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity
Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity disorder
ADHD has a prevalence rate of 4-12% in children in the United States. It is difficult to establish the diagnosis in children less than 5 years of age due to their characteristic behaviors being very variable .It is also difficult to assess inattention in a preschooler because they do not have to sustain attention for a period of time.
Young children with ADHD move excessively and are difficult to contain. Symptoms of inattention affect school work and academic performance. Impulsive symptoms usually lead of breaking of family, interpersonal and educational rules. These symptoms are most prominent during the elementary school years.
As the children mature symptoms change e.g. signs of excessive running and jumping are less common and maybe confined to inner feeling of restlessness .In adults the restlessness may contribute to avoiding occupations that provide limited opportunity for spontaneous movements like a desk job.
ADHD has been found to more common in the first degree biological relatives of children with this disorder than in the general population.
There is a higher prevalence of other disruptive behavior disorders with this disease .other associated disorders include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and communication disorders as well as substance use disorder.
To diagnose a child with ADHD they might have any combination of the following symptoms:
- Fail to give close attention to details
- Make careless mistakes on homework or other activities
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to
- Does not follow through on instruction
- Fails to complete chores ,schoolwork
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities
- Often distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Often forgetful in daily activities
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- Often leaves seat in classroom
- Often runs around
- Often climbs on things excessively and inappropriately
- Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- Is often on the go and acts as if driven by a motor
- Often talks excessively
- Has difficulty awaiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
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