Definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have been described in literature and medically documented for more than a century. This disorder has gone through many name changes since then but still remains misunderstood by the general public and frequently goes undiagnosed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered to be a neurobiological disability that interferes with a person’s ability to sustain attention or focus on a task and to control impulsive behaviour. We may all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulses, but for some people the problem is so chronic and persistent that it gets in the way of daily life—at home, at school, at work and in social settings.
Current research has shown that AD/HD is caused by a deficiency of specific neurotransmitters in a specific set of brain circuits. Depending on which areas of these circuits are involved, the person may be distractive, impulsive or hyperactive. Through many well documented scientific studies we know that ADHD is not caused by diet, poor parenting, or too much time on the computer or in front of the TV.
We also know that genetics may play a part. AD/HD is likely to run in families and seems to be passed down through generations. According to one twin study, if one twin had AD/HD, the other identical twin had a 75% to 91% chance of also having AD/HD.
There are three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Possible Symptoms of Inattention:
- Distracted easily form the task at hand by noises or things going on around them
- Looking around frequently
- Staying focused on one activity
- Daydreaming
- Not focusing on speaker when spoken to
- Unable to remember verbal instructions
- Misinterpreting instructions
- Unable to pay attention to details
- Completing work without being reminded
- Losing things
- Difficulty organizing belongings and work
- Difficulty starting things
- Forgetting normal routines
Possible Symptoms of Hyperactivity:
- Fidgeting and squirming
- Problems remaining seated
- Talking excessively and at inappropriate times
- Often running and climbing
- Stands instead of sitting at the table
- Unable to settle into a quiet activity
- Constantly on the go
- Frequently handling or touching objects
Possible Symptoms of Impulsivity:
- Butting into conversations
- Blurting out answers in the classroom
- Beginning work before instructions given
- Disturbing others who are playing
- Grabbing others belongings
- Touching, grabbing hitting others
- Problems waiting for turn or standing in line
- Making impulsive decisions
The symptoms of the ADHD sub-types can change significantly with age. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease or be channeled differently as the person ages. This is one of the reasons why in the past it was thought that children outgrew ADHD in their adolescence. New research has shown that problems with executive functioning can be more of a problem than attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, especially in later life. Unfortunately, executive functioning skills are required more in adulthood and can often become a major issue for many adults diagnosed with ADHD.
Reference:
Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta (http://www.ldac-taac.ca/InDepth/adhd_01-e.asp)
Canadian Centre for ADD/ADHD Advocacy Canada (http://www.caddac.ca)