How to Recognize ADHD Symptoms in Children. Teens, and Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a term applied to a broad range of behavioral issues; generally, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention. Though most people associate ADHD with fidgety movement and rambunctious behavior, ADHD can affect some more than others and ADHD symptoms will often manifest in more subtle ways. Here are some steps to take to recognize ADHD symptoms in you or someone you love.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe their interaction with their peers. One of the most common ADHD symptoms is a difficulty in forming friendships or gaining acceptance of a peer group. Because these children are impulsive, they have trouble developing effective social skills and find themselves forcibly entering peer groups, speaking over peers that are already engaged in conversation or play, and causing fights among their peers.

• 2

  Consider their honesty. Though ADHD symptoms will manifest in a number of ways, dishonesty is one that will be prevalent among children, teenagers, and even adults affected by ADHD. Often these will be harmless embellishments or white lies, but are used so often by an ADHD sufferer because of the isolation they often face in school and at work.

• 3

  Look at how they handle deadlines. One of the largest red flags among all ADHD symptoms is the inability to stick to or value commitments. A person effected by ADHD will find themselves perennially late or even failing to show up for an appointment completely.

• 4

  Consider their hygiene. The ADHD symptoms that you might be able to sniff out, so to speak, are a seeming disregard or forgetfulness when it comes to personal care. Someone affected by ADHD will often forget to put on deodorant, or even brush their teeth. This often occurs because a person with ADHD may plan on doing such a mundane task but then either gets caught up with something else that enters their mind or they simply don't want to be bothered with the routine.