|  | Conditions Treatments | ADD

Early Signs of ADD

ADD, known as Attention Deficit Disorder, is defined as a developmental disorder. It is often also called ADHD, or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It can affect children as young as toddlers, appearing as impulsive behavior and/or inattentiveness. The symptoms can be mild to extreme, and it is managed through attentive care with the help of a doctor.

  1. Time Frame

    • ADD or ADHD can be apparent in children, and usually the symptoms are found in children starting under the age of 7. Children as young as toddlers can be diagnosed with ADD. Mild cases of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder may go unnoticed, even into adulthood. Symptoms should be consistent, meaning behavior doesn't change by location. It affects 3 to 5 percent of children and symptoms can last into adulthood.

    Genetics

    • ADD or ADHD is generally considered to be acquired genetically. Environmental factors, such as exposure to smoking or alcohol, might also be a link to ADD. There are some theories that sugar might induce the hyperactiveness and other ADD-like behaviors in children. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health, studies show that sugar in the diet doesn't cause or induce the behavior any more than other foods.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms usually fall into three categories. Hyperactivity, one of the categories, is the constant movement or need to move and is usually the the most obvious symptom. Inattentiveness and being impulsive are additional symptoms, and each is diagnosed separately. A child could be hyperactive, although if they lack inattentiveness and impulsive behavior, they might not have ADD. Symptoms must be apparent for longer than six months and cause problems both at school and at home.

    Identification

    • Hyperactive behaviors come in a variety of ways. Constant movement or out-of-control-like behavior can be a sign in toddlers. Children might experience constant fidgeting. The urge to get up and move about might appear stronger when a child is pressured to sit still. A child might talk constantly, even when asked to be quiet. In most cases, the hyperactive behaviors are consistent throughout the day, regardless of activities going on.

    Further Diagnosis

    • ADD is also diagnosed by inattentiveness and impulsive behavior. It is often children with hyperactive symptoms that are diagnosed the quickest, but a quiet child who is inattentive and impulsive can have ADD. Children who are inattentive appear to not be listening when being given instructions. They often have trouble carrying out a list of instructions. They are often unable to finish projects and drift from one thing to another. Impulsive behavior might include extremely passionate temper tantrums at whim, or frequent wandering off. A child might have difficulty waiting for his turn. A child might interrupt others and have a need to blurt answers to questions even before the full question is asked.

ADD - Related Articles