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Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD can be identified by looking for certain characteristic types of behaviour. The main types are:

Inattention

People who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their mind on any one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. They may give effortless, automatic attention to activities and things they enjoy. But focusing deliberate, conscious attention to organizing and completing a task or learning something new is difficult.

Hyperactivity

People who are hyperactive always seem to be in motion. They can't sit still. They may dash around or talk incessantly. Hyperactive children can squirm in their seat or roam around the room. Or they might wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil.

Impulsivity

People who are overly impulsive seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. As a result, they may blurt out inappropriate comments or they may run into the street without looking.

Some people may show signs of all three types of behaviour (combined type ADHD), others may only show inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Recognising the symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD can be treated and managed, provided the right diagnosis has been made. Understanding the symptoms of ADHD will help the diagnosis.

The symptoms of ADHD vary according to the three phases of youth.

Childhood ADHD

Teenage ADHD

Adult ADHD

Childhood ADHD

ADHD is estimated to affect up to 5% of school-aged children. However, in some cases it is difficult to know whether the child's excessive activity or inattention is normal for his or her age or not. After all, children with ADHD often do the same things other children do. This can make the symptoms of ADHD unclear or confusing. An evaluation by a doctor can help rule out other possible explanations.

Teenage ADHD

For years, doctors believed that children outgrew ADHD symptoms by the time they reached adolescence. However, this is not always the case. In fact, about 70% of children with ADHD have problems with impulsivity, problem solving, decision-making, and inattention throughout their teenage years.

During adolescence the characteristics of the condition changes and some symptoms become less noticeable. Although symptoms such as hyperactivity, attention span, and impulse control tend to decrease, impulsivity remains a major problem for many youngsters with ADHD in their teens. This can cause difficulties at school, at work, in family and in social relationships.

Teenagers with ADHD often struggle as their independence and responsibilities increases. This can result in driving accidents, low self-esteem, drug and alcohol abuse or encounters with the law. Dealing with issues associated with identity, peer-group acceptance, and physical development can be an additional source of stress.

Adolescents with ADHD often tend to deny their condition and refuse to take medication at school, as they don't want to be different from their classmates. At the same time growing older and becoming more independent can be an exciting adventure. Especially for adolescents with ADHD, aged 16 and older, learning how to set goals and make good decisions will help give them follow the direction they need to stay on course. To achieve this, it is important they also learn to understand that managing symptoms is a key part of developing life skills and handling everyday situations.

The most common symptoms that may be indications of ADHD in adolescents are:

General untidiness, in school and at home.
Being consistently late with assignments.
Constantly losing things such as homework.
Being easily distracted with a brief attention span.
Regularly running late for school.
Doing everything with a deadline at the very last minute only.
An unusual sense of fairness.
Coming up with loads of excuses for not getting things done.
Giving the impression of not listening when being spoken to.

It is important to understand the behavioural differences in adolescents with ADHD, as many youngsters in their teens go through periods of more difficult behaviour. This understanding is not only important for parents and teachers, but also for the adolescent in question. It will manage the condition better and ensure a better social, family and classroom integration.

There are a number key identifying behaviours or key symptoms to look out for, when asking the question whether your child's behaviour is normal, problematic or a result of ADHD .

Hyperactivity / Impulsivity in adolescence

Developmental variations

During school years and adolescence, activity may be high in play situations and impulsive behaviours may surface normally, especially in peer pressure situations. High levels of hyperactive/impulsive behaviour do not indicate a problem or disorder if the behaviour does not prevent the child or adolescent from functioning.
Behaviour problems

Hyperactive and impulsive behaviours are more intense and annoy others or cause difficulties in and out of the classroom.
ADHD

Restless motoric and impulsive behaviour is seen during most activities; the adolescent shows problems in social situations.

The teenage adolescent gets into trouble frequently. Hyperactive symptoms decrease or are replaced with a sense of restlessness.

Inattention in adolescence

Developmental variations

Adolescents are easily distracted from uninteresting tasks or require close attention. At times, they miss instructions and explanations.
Inattention problems

Some difficulties are observed with following instructions, completing tasks, completing games with other children or grownups.

The adolescent does not pickup subtle social cues from others.

Some difficulties with academic and social events begin to surface.

ADHD

The teenage adolescent has symptoms of inattention and distractibility that significantly impair social and academic performance

Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD often experience problems with educational achievements, employment, and interpersonal relationships. A comprehensive treatment plan can provide the help they may need.

Identifying ADHD in adults is very important; because growing up with undiagnosed ADHD may cause devastating effects in adult life. For some, the recognition of ADHD and the understanding that follows an evaluation can provide a source of healing, put difficulties in perspective, and offer a better understanding of the reasons for a variety of lifelong symptoms.

Adults with ADHD often have negative perceptions of themselves as being lazy, stupid or even crazy. Proper diagnosis and effective treatment can help improve self-esteem, work performance and skills, educational achievements and interpersonal relationships.

Managing the symptoms of ADHD in adult life is the first step to a achieving better integration in social, work and family life. If you are struggling with ADHD or have a relative or friend who may be suffering from the disorder, your doctor will be able to help, refer you to a specialist and point you in the direction of local support groups.

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