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ADD Symptoms and How to Get Help

As a childhood developmental disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is estimated by the Center for Disease Control to affect from 3 to 7 percent of children in the U.S. Symptoms of ADD include inattention, restlessness, inability to focus or concentrate, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can adversely affect a child's ability to function in social and classroom settings. Since there is no medical test for ADD, observation of behavior is the only way to make a diagnosis.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of ADD will vary from person to person. They may include an inability to concentrate or focus, making it difficult to complete tasks. Inattentive behavior, such as being easily distracted or losing focus on a conversation, is also a sign. Difficulties in organization and following up with tasks can also be signs of ADD.

      Hyperactivity and impulsivity are also symptoms of ADD. These can be seen in such behavior as nonstop talking, difficulty with quiet activities, and excessive movement, such as running or fidgeting. The patient may have difficulty waiting his or her turn or may shout out answers at an inappropriate time. These behaviors can lead to disruption in such settings as a classroom.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of ADD involves observing the patient in both clinical and everyday settings, such as the home or classroom. For a positive diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present for six months or more in two or more settings and must have been present before the age of 7, and other disorders must be ruled out.

      The patient must exhibit six or more signs of either inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity for a positive diagnosis to be made. Symptoms must be disruptive and not appropriate for the patient's development stage. Based on the number of symptoms and the manner in which they are exhibited, a patient may be diagnosed with one of several types of ADD.

    Treatments

    • Since ADD is a neurological disorder, treatment is not limited to medication, although that is a possibility. Behavior strategies may be taught to parents of a child affected by ADD, and schools may also implement these strategies to help a child perform.

      Medications that treat ADD fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, are widely used to treat ADD. Non-stimulants were approved for treatment of ADD in 2003; currently, the only approved non-stimulant treatment is the drug atomoxetine, also known as Strattera.

      Behavioral therapy can be used to impart a sense of stability. Creating a household routine, for example, allows the child to know what to expect and when to expect it, lessening the need for complete concentration on tasks. Combined with effective discipline and parent training, behavioral therapy has shown to be a successful ADD treatment.

      In a similar vein, classroom involvement also uses the establishment of routine, such as creating a homework system or folder. These strategies are combined with positive reinforcement and counselor or psychologist involvement to create a good environment for the child who has ADD.

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