ADHD Symptoms in Children, Adults: What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder, which means it can affect one person throughout his or her life. It is one of the most common conditions that are usually noticed during early childhood.
Symptoms of ADHD
Some of the typical ADHD symptoms include impulsiveness, inattentiveness, fidgeting, becoming easily distracted, forgetfulness and hyperactivity. Symptoms are often noticed at an early age and may become more obvious once a child's situation changes (i.e., starting school). Cases are often diagnosed when kids are age six to 12 years.
Although ADHD symptoms usually improve as the child ages, many adults who are diagnosed at a young age may continue to experience issues. Those suffering from ADHD are likely to have other problems as well, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
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ADHD in Children
Based on a new research conducted in Finland, youngest kids in school are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Children who show greater immaturity compared with their other classmates may be diagnosed with the behavioral condition.
The study claims younger girls are 31 percent more likely to be diagnosed, compared with boys who are 26 percent likely to be told they have ADHD.
"Teachers and parents may misattribute a child's immaturity," said lead author Professor Kapil Sayal from the University of Nottingham. "This might lead to younger children in the class being more likely to be referred for an assessment for ADHD," he added.
ADHD in Adults
Adult-onset ADHD is not a common condition, but it also exists among select individuals. According to multiple researches, it is estimated to occur in three to 10 percent of adults. The condition is quite rare since most children diagnosed at an early age tend to "outgrow" the symptoms.
"I believe many Adult ADHD patients have had it for a long time, perhaps even in childhood, but were not diagnosed until later," George Grossberg, MD, the director of geriatric psychiatry at Saint Louis University School of Medicine said about the disorder among adults. "I do agree with one finding in the study — that ADHD-type symptoms may often be due to substance abuse. This always needs to be looking for."
