Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms And How To Treat Them

A person with attention deficit disorder (ADD) will usually exhibit a number of symptoms. If you believe that you or someone that you know may be suffering from ADD, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the disorder before seeking help. While there are no specific laboratory tests to determine if a person has ADD, there are a number of questions that health care providers will ask. Being able to recognize these symptoms will help you make the right diagnosis and help you decide on the best course of treatment for your child.

attention deficit disorder symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of attention deficit disorder is the inability to stay on task. Many people with ADD have a difficult time staying on task because they are easily sidetracked or distracted by their surroundings. Children with ADD often have a hard time focusing because they spend so much time playing and interacting with friends that they don’t have time to sit down and concentrate on their assignments. Other symptoms include: hyperactivity, restlessness, distractibility, poor impulse control, and difficulty organizing. While these are all symptoms of ADD, they are usually seen in individuals who are in school throughout the day, have difficulty staying on task, and exhibit other behaviors that are considered disruptive.

Not all individuals with attention deficit disorder symptoms will actually display each of these behaviors. In fact, the majority of individuals with ADD will not exhibit even one of these symptoms to some degree. There are other factors that go into diagnosing ADD. A mental health specialist will take into consideration such things as family history, academic performance, and current level of education, just to name a few. Once the specialist has determined that a child does have ADD, he or she will begin to look at possible treatments for the disorder.

When it comes to treatment for this disorder, the first step is usually in therapy. Counselors and therapists will work with the child to try to determine the cause of the disorder. Often times, behavior problems can be attributed to sensory processing issues or learning disabilities. Working with a qualified therapist can help you discover the source of the behavior and develop ways to help the child to function normally in his or her surroundings.

If it is determined that sensory processing difficulties or other issues are at the root of the problem, then the child will be able to receive auditory, visual, or tactile stimulation in order to improve their abilities. Sometimes a combination of these treatments will be necessary in order to fully heal the child. You want to ensure that your child receives the best possible care and can return to living a normal and productive life.

Medication can also play a role in treating ADD. The most common drugs prescribed for children with ADHD are Ritalin and Adderall. These are stimulant medications that help to improve focus and energy. However, there are side effects that come with these drugs. They can cause sleeplessness, appetite loss, depression, and can even lead to substance abuse if not properly monitored. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any treatment plan.

One of the most effective methods of treatment involves training your child’s brain to focus. This is done through educational therapy and practice. A good program will teach your child strategies and coping mechanisms that help him or her to stay focused. This type of therapy can also help him or her overcome impulsive and erratic behavior.

Children with ADD have one of the highest rates of substance abuse in the nation. They are also statistically more likely to drop out of school and live with their parents. Talk to your doctor about your child’s symptoms and treatment options. You can get started on the road to recovery as soon as you begin to understand attention deficit disorder symptoms and how they can affect your child.