What is hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder?

In recent years much has been said of the disorder attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD), what exactly? Many parents living concerned, is that my restless son suffers from ADHD? Is it too active? It distracts too? Although ADHD symptoms are common, the disorder is not always the cause… i.e. why a child is a very active or often distracted, does not mean necessarily that it has ADHD.

What is ADHD?
A disorder that affects approximately 3 to 5% of children in pre-school and school, which means that there is in a class of 25-30 children, it is likely that you have ADHD.ADHD symptoms:

Hyperactivity: children appear to be always in motion, without stopping, speak constantly or that stop does not move when you are seated (either by lifting the saddle or moving it).

Impulsivity: children who have difficulty waiting their turn, giving answers without thinking or consider the consequences of their actions.

Inattention / distraction: children who have great difficulty paying attention, which are lost in his thoughts at school or when talk them. These children are also accustomed to make mistakes in their school work due to lack of attention, forget things and pass from one activity to another.

It is not necessary to have all the symptoms to receive a diagnosis of ADHD.There are some children who suffer more from inattention and not demonstrate both hyperactivity, while there are others that are hyperactive and impulsive.Dentro_de what we consider the ADHD, there are several classifications: a) children mostly showing lack of attention, and may be silent or not to interrupt the class but do not follow the lesson; b) more hyperactive children who are more impulsive and are constantly in motion and c) children show a combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention.

These symptoms are common, especially during childhood. How pre-school non sound us very active from time to time? But this does not mean that they have ADHD.To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity are to:

Have begun before that children have 7 añosTener a duration of at least 6 mesesInterferir with the functioning of children in at least two areas of your life (at school, at home in the Park…)

Often parents believe that their children are very active at home but in school work well and do not receive any complaint by the master.In this case is probably not ADHD since if the child really suffer from this disorder, cannot control its behavior in one place and not in another.

There are many other factors that may contribute to behaviors that look much like ADHD. For example, if a child to suffer from anxiety, this can be done often distract costing you sitting / in one place, etc.The American Academy of child psychiatry identifies other causes that can make the behaviors of the girl look like ADHD:

Seizures not identificadas.Infecciones ear which temporarily bloquen oída.Problemas school due to difficulties of aprendizaje.La anxiety or depression.

Also, do not consider ADHD if behaviors appear after that children have lived a significant change in his life (the death of a relative, a removal, a new school…)

Who can diagnose ADHD?
The diagnosis of ADHD can only make you professionals specialized in the following disciplines: psychiatry, psychology, Neurology, pediatricians, or doctors, family and social assistants countries with clinical training.It is important that the professional has experience working with children and especially children with ADHD.

What if I believe that my child has ADHD?
If you suspect that your child has ADHD, best is to go to a professional as soon as possible. If your child is in school, you can start by visiting the school psychologist, or pediatrician. With more chiquitos children, pediatrician accustomed to being the first professional we consulted.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, professional will love interviewing parents, school teacher information, perhaps they would fill out some questionnaires and will observe your child’s behavior while playing.It is also possible that prompt you to perform certain tests or test child (especially if you suspect inattention).

Are you at what age should I worrying?
Many parents overstep when their children two years do not stop move from here to there or pass a game to another.This behavior is very normal in children of this age, and need not be a sign of ADHD.Part of the development in early childhood is to learn to use your natural energy and susimpulsos while this indicates a problem.In general, is not a diagnosis of ADHD until that child does not form part of a more structured educational program, preschool or school.Most frequently, it is not until the child starts school six years that we consider the diagnosis of ADHD.It is important that if you are concerned about your child’s behavior, have the age that is, talk to your pediatrician.

How is ADHD?There are very effective treatments for children with ADHD.To learn more, read our article: treatment of ADHD.

LaDra.Helena Duch is child and family psychologist specialized in working with families who are planning, waiting, and raising children in early childhood.The DRA.Helen holds a doctorate in psychology child and school of New York University and a master’s degree in child development psychology from Columbia University and degree in clinical psychology for the Ramon Llull University in Barcelona.Furthermore Dr.Helen is licensed as a psychologist in New York State and in Spain, his native country.

Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical or psychological consultation.You must not use this information to diagnose or treat a health or behavioral problem but consult with a physician or professional mental health to consider you in person and who is authorised to practise their profession in the town where you live.

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