ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling one’s behaviour and hyperactivity. There are three types of ADHD. Each type is classified according to the predominance of symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/sensitivity or a combination of inattention and hyperactivity/ impulsivity.
Children with the inattention type are less likely to have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly without paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked and parents and teachers may not notice symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD get easily distracted from schoolwork and they often behave disruptively.
The symptoms of ADHD are especially difficult to define because it is hard to draw the line where normal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity end. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be observed for six months or more. There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medication.
Herbal remedies may help ease some of the symptoms associated with ADHD like insomnia, sleeping problems and depression.
You should consider raising your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or your doctor if you think their behaviour may be different to most children their age. It's a good idea to speak to your doctor if you are an adult and you think you may have ADHD, but you were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.
ADHD Organisation
CHADD - The National Resource on ADHD
http://www.chadd.org/
