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ADHD

What is it?

The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) originated in the United States, and was first officially used in 1980. ADHD-diagnosed children are defined as:

  • inattentive (short attention span),
  • impulsive (act before they think), and
  • hyperactive (fidgety, disruptive) to a degree which is damaging to their lives both at school and at home.

How common is it?

At least 1% of children in the UK are thought to have ADHD

What age range does it affect?

Problems generally arise within the first few years of school

Symptoms

  • Difficulty in concentrating, flitting from one task to the next
  • Being dreamy or 'spaced out’
  • Being very disorganized and untidy
  • Talking excessively, often butting in
  • Being unable to listen to others
  • Being extremely demanding of attention
  • Acting stupidly or bossily in social situations
  • Having poor physical coordination
  • Having pronounced mood swings
  • Having problems with learning, particularly with writing.
  • Needing very little sleep

Regular Causes

  • One theory is that children with ADHD have a shortage of certain chemicals in the brain, which would normally enable the child to concentrate and control their emotions
  • Family problems (stress in the family can cause children to become more disruptive)

Families with children diagnosed with ADHD very often show signs of being under stress – but many experts argue that the stress is caused by the ADHD, rather than the other way round

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