Know the signs and symptoms of ADHD: Is your child at risk too?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that generally affects children. Read on to know the symptoms of the condition.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old. It is normal for children to experience confusion every now and then, but if it persists, then it could be a sign of ADHD. Of course, it is not the only symptom of the condition in children. Here are all the signs and symptoms of ADHD in children.

Signs And Symptoms In Children

• A child who has ADHD may repeatedly interrupt a conversation or start talking
• Inability to concentrate on one thing at a time
• Experiencing emotional turmoil and difficulty in keeping their emotions in check
• Can't sit still and may try to run when forced to sit
• Inability to carry out instructions or listen carefully
• Keep changing tasks frequently. They might start something but won't be able to complete it
• Have trouble focusing even when addressed directly
• Excessive physical movement
• Acting without thinking
• Continuously getting involved in dangerous activities
• Some children with ADHD may not be loud, but be extremely quiet and ignore things or people around them
• Often forget to do daily chores like their homework

Differentiating Between Normal Behavior And ADHD

The symptoms mentioned above are common behaviours that most of us display occasionally. But when someone is suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they may do this repeatedly. While all children behave like this at some point or the other, if they start displaying such behaviour regularly and it starts affecting their life, you should seek professional advice.

Some kids may even experience symptoms of other conditions including:

• Anxiety disorder, which can make your child worried all the time, have frequent headaches, stomachaches and feel angry
• May experience symptoms of depression
• Having trouble sleeping at night or experiencing irregular sleeping patterns
• Autistic spectrum disorder, a developmental condition that affects the way your child interacts or speaks to people
• May experience seizures or sudden fits
• Tourette's syndrome that causes the nervous system that affects people to make sudden movements or sounds
• Learning disabilities like dyslexia
• Oppositional defiant disorder, a disorder that leads to frequent and persistent episodes of anger and irritability

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child, you must consult a professional immediately to get a clear perspective and proper diagnosis.