Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

Attention deficit disorder symptoms vary for each afflicted individual, potentially causing difficulty maintaining a regular life and achieving common tasks. Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome commonly known as ADD. This disorder stems in childhood, although it can go undiagnosed until maturity or adulthood.

What are the forms of attention deficit disorder?

Attention deficit disorder has two commonly known forms.  These include:

• ADD with hyperactivity. This is the more traditional form of ADD.• ADD without hyperactivity. This form is considered the inattentive type.

What are ADD Symptoms?

Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

If you show six or more of these symptoms, this suggests that you this disorder may negatively affect your everyday life and activities.

• Makes mistakes in schoolwork for not following directions• Fails to pay attention to details in assignments etc.• Seems to ignore people and not listen when they are speaking• Has difficulty staying organized• Has difficulty doing schoolwork and/or homework• Has trouble following instructions• Have trouble finishing work• Often loses school assignments, important documents, books, etc• Often forgets daily activities• Becomes easily distracted

Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

If you show six or more of these symptoms, this suggests that you this disorder may negatively affect your everyday life and activities.

• Has difficulty staying seating• Interrupts others while in conversation• Shows difficulty waiting in line or waiting for ones turn• Playing quietly is a struggle• Excessively runs/climbs• When asked a question, before the question is fully asked they blurt out the answer• Talks to an excessive degree• Constantly “on the go”

How common is Attention Deficit Disorder?

It is unknown exactly how many individuals are afflicted with attention deficit disorder. The generally percentage given is between 3 and 5 percent of the population are afflicted with ADD. The difficulty in determining a definite number is due to the difficulty is diagnosing attention deficit disorder. Some psychiatrists or physicians may view actions as definite attention deficit disorder symptoms while another may see it as merely childlike behaviors. The symptoms are closely related to how a child may naturally act, so there is a fine line drawn between what is and what is not a symptom of ADD.

How is Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosed?

Attention deficit disorder can be quite difficult to diagnose. To ensure you receive a proper diagnosis, you should visit a psychiatrist or physician that is well trained and informed about ADD. Adults may find it much more difficult to find a professional to properly diagnose them. This is due to the recent discovery that attention deficit disorder does not just affect children, it is also a condition that can carry into adulthood. Women will especially find difficulty in getting proper diagnoses because the symptoms are often attributed to depression.

What Medications are used to Treat Attention Deficit Disorder?

• Psychostimulants such as Ritalin• Nonstimulants. These are commonly used as an alternative for parents who do not want their children to take medications that can become addicting.• Antidepressants. These are used in children that have either had bad reactions to other medications or have shown no response and still have the level of attention deficit disorder symptoms.