Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In Children 

Subtypes

ADHD occurs more often in boys than in girls and the behaviours which they elicit are also different. An example would be that boys can be more hyperactive, whereas girls are more quietly inattentive.

To make the diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms need to be present for at least 6 months. These symptoms can negatively affect a child's schoolwork, relationships at school and/or at home as well as their home life. The behaviours of a child with ADHD aren't normal when compared to children who don't have this issue.

3 subtypes of ADHD exist and they are:

• Predominantly inattentive - where most of the symptoms are associated with inattention.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive - most of the symptoms are associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined clinical picture - a mixture of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Symptoms  

A child demonstrating patterns of inattention can have the following issues:

• Doesn't pay close attention to details or they tend to make careless mistakes in their schoolwork.
• It appears they don't listen even when they are spoken to directly.
• They have trouble staying focused on tasks.
• There's trouble with organizing activities and tasks.
• They find it difficult to follow instructions.
• They fail to finish chores or their schoolwork.
• They tend to dislike or avoid tasks which require mental effort which needs to be focused.
• They are easily distracted.
• They tend to lose items which are needed for activities or tasks such as stationery.
• They seem forgetful regarding daily activities.

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Children showing patterns of hyperactivity and impulsivity often have the following picture:

• They are in constant motion.
• They have difficulty in staying seated in the classroom.
• They seem to fidget with objects or tap their hands and/or feet.
• They talk a lot and may be disruptive in the classroom.
• The climb and run around in inappropriate situations.
• There's difficulty experienced when they have to wait their turn.
• They may interrupt a teacher by blurting out answers.
• They may have trouble performing an activity quietly.
• They may intrude or interrupt other children's activities, conversations or games.

Risk factors

• Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead.
• A family history of a first-degree relative (mother, father or siblings) with ADHD or other mental health conditions.
• Smoking, alcohol use or drug use during pregnancy.
• Premature birth.

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Complications 

• These children tend to be involved in more injuries and accidents.
• They struggle in the classroom and this can result in being kept behind in their grade, as well as facing ridicule from their peers.
• They tend to develop a poor self-esteem.
• They struggle to interact with and be accepted by their peers and even by adults.
• This disorder can lead to an increased risk of drug and/or alcohol abuse as well as other delinquent behaviour.

Co-existing conditions 

Fortunately, ADHD doesn't cause other developmental issues or psychological disorders, but children with ADHD may be at an increased risk of developing conditions such as:

• Anxiety disorders.
• Disruptive mood regulation disorder.
• Learning disabilities.
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
• Bipolar mood disorder.
• Major depression.
• Conduct disorder.
• Tourette syndrome.