|  | Conditions Treatments | ADD

ADD Symptoms in Boys

Boys are more likely to have ADD or ADHD than girls by 4 percent. There are 4.5 million children with ADD or ADHD, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. And it's more prevalent in non-Hispanic, English-speaking boys and boys who live below poverty level -- in girls income doesn't make a difference.

  1. Attention Deficit

    • The American Psychiatric Association developed the criterion for diagnosing ADD/ADHD. It includes behavior that has been present for 6 months. The list includes nine symptoms -- six of the nine must be present. The boy will exhibit behavior that includes a lack of attention to detail and will make careless mistakes in his school work. He has trouble with keeping activities organized or listening when spoken to, often being distracted. He may be forgetful with day-to-day activities and fail to follow instructions. He will avoid things he dislikes such as concentrating on schoolwork or things that require mental effort. He does maintain attention on tasks or play that he may have started.

    Hyperactivity

    • Hyperactivity is often part of the ADHD disorder, especially in boys. As in the attention deficit criteria, nine behaviors are given and six must be met that have been present for more than 6 months. These behaviors are also impulsive which usually are the biggest causes of disruption in the classroom. Boys will talk excessively and jump out of their seats for no reason. They are fidgety with their hands, always moving or they are restless in their seats. It is difficult for these kids to do quiet and relaxing tasks. You may often find the boy running or climbing. He is always on the go.

    Impulsive Behavior

    • Boys with ADHD may show impulsive behavior which includes trouble waiting their turn. They will jump out of line at school or at the movie and run to the front. They can't wait their turn to talk, often butting into conversations. Frequent outbursts are common in a boy with impulsive behavior. He has no control in keeping quiet.

    Types

    • There are three types of ADD/ADHD based on a 6 month period of exhibited behavior. The combined type of ADHD includes the attention deficit and hyperactivity. Predominately inattentive children exhibit attention deficit only -- and not impulisve or hyperactive behavior. Predominately hyperactive-impulsive disorder exhibits hyperactivity but not attention deficit.

    Cause

    • It is not clear what causes ADD/ADHD and why boys are more prone to the disorder. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that low birth weight and heredity are possible causes. Brain scans show that boys with ADD/ADHD show an increased brain activity in two areas of the brain that control activity. The CDC also says smaller areas of the brain in boys that have ADD/ADHD as compared to boys who do not have the disorder.

ADD - Related Articles