Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
You'd have to be living on another planet not to have heard of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a popular label used today both on children who are truly suffering from the illness and for the kids who are troublesome in some other way.
Basically, this is a disorder that causes problems with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. All three categories can be present, or they can exist separately. They are generally present before the age of seven. Its link to depression is thought to be in the child's self-perception.
All too often, children with ADHD are seen as troublemakers, problem students, and as kids who are out of control. When children hear themselves talked about in such a way, they can't help but internalize these comments. Once they see themselves as failures or unpleasant to be around, depressive symptoms can begin to appear. In fact, about a third of children with ADHD have depression.
Inattentiveness
According to the DSM-IV, inattention manifests itself by the failure to give close attention to details or carelessness in school, home, or other activities; difficulty paying attention or sustaining attention; not seeming to listen when spoken to directly; failure to follow through on activities; difficulties with organization; disliking, refusing, or avoiding activities that require sustained attention; losing things often; being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli; frequent forgetfulness.
Essential
Too often the positive attributes of ADHD are not recognized or emphasized. Although they are characterized negatively, children with ADHD are typically very bright, creative, and have much to offer the world. Helping a child understand this and helping him develop his own unique talents will reduce symptoms of depression significantly.
Impulsivity includes blurting out answers before questions have been completed; difficulty awaiting one's turn; and interrupting or intruding on others, such as butting into conversations or games.
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD of the inattentive type, six or more characteristics of inattentiveness have to be present for at least six months to a degree that is considered maladaptive and not consistent with a child's developmental level.
Is Your Child Active or Hyper?
It is often hard to distinguish between normal physical activity in a child and hyperactivity. A hyperactive child is almost constantly fidgeting with his hands or feet, or is generally squirmy. When remaining in his seat is expected, he gets up and can't seem to stay put. A hyperactive child has difficulty playing quietly. He is usually described as “always on the go” and “into everything.” Last, a hyperactive child can also be excessively talkative.
Fact
ADHD is a bit of a misnomer; it is not a deficit of attention! Rather, an ADHD child's brain is bombarded with so much stimuli that his brain can't focus on just one piece of information. It is more like the child is overloaded with information and can't decide where to place his attention.
Impulsivity
For a child to be characterized as having hyperactivity with impulsiveness, six or more of those symptoms have to be present in the same way. In teens, the impulsivity can take on a much greater magnitude of problems. A teen that is now driving may exhibit impulsiveness by speeding, reacting angrily behind the wheel, or other dangerous behaviors.
If he is using substances, the tendency to drink too much will occur without him giving much thought to what he is doing. Fights and arguments are common. The problem is that impulsivity is a result of acting without giving any thought to the consequences. With teens, this can be not only dangerous but also deadly.
