Category: ADHD

John, an 11 year old boy diagnosed with ADHD is rarely organized,

easily loses focus, doesn’t really talk so much but thinks before acting.

While Tina, another child with ADHD is quite organized,

but talks a whole lot, acts impulsively and very restless.

On the other hand, Sammy also diagnosed with ADHD is disorganized,

acts before thinking, hyperactive and talks too much.

The question that comes to mind here is,

“Why do they all exhibit different characteristics despite being diagnosed with the same disorder?”

This is because Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is generally known to have three subtypes which are:

• The predominantly inattentive subtype
• The predominantly hyperactive/impulsive subtype
• The combined subtype.

The signs and symptoms exhibited by individuals with ADHD largely depends on the predominance of a particular characteristic.

There are 3 key characteristics of ADHD which are Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity.

Simply put;

A child that has the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD will majorly manifest the signs and symptoms of inattention such as:

• Inability to pay attention to tasks
• Poor focus
• Poor organizational skills
• Poor listening skills
• Delay in processing information
• Carelessness and forgetfulness
• Getting bored easily
• Difficulty following instructions
• Persistent daydreaming

While another child with the Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD will majorly exhibit the signs and symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity such as:

• Restlessness
• Impatience
• Making impulsive decisions
• Talkativeness
• Inability to sit still.
• Hyperactivity
• Fidgeting/Squirming

Finally, a child with the combined subtype of ADHD will generally exhibit the signs and symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), most children have the combined type.

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#LetstalkaboutADHD

When you hear ADD or ADHD, what comes to your mind?

Well, throughout the month of June, I shall be sharing very interesting information about ADD/ADHD such as what ADD/ADHD means, myths and facts about ADD/ADHD, types, causes, signs/characteristics, diagnosis, prevalence, management, clinical interventions, parenting tips, adult ADD/ADHD and successful people with ADHD. I bet you’re wondering how someone with ADHD can become successful in life right?  Trust me, it’s going to be an interesting month.

What is ADD/ADHD???

ADD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder, while ADHD represents Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Let’s break this down a little bit:

A-      Attention refers to the ability or will to keep the mind on something in particular i.e being able to focus on something, usually for a period of time.

D-      Deficit means an inadequacy, insufficiency or lack of the ability to perform a given task.

H-      Hyperactivity simply means activity level which is above normal range.

D-      Disorder refers to a mental or physical interruption of normal functioning.

ADD/ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder which results in difficulty sustaining attention, problems with executive functions (ability to plan) and inability to control certain behaviours.

ADD/ADHD affects academic performance and social relationships and it is one of the most common childhood disorders which can span through adolescence and adulthood.

There have been quite a number of myths about ADD/ADHD, am sure you’ve heard about some also. In the next article, we shall be checking out some interesting myths and facts about ADD/ADHD.

Kindly follow me @DrMorayoJimoh and let’s talk about ADHD