Nov 25 2011
Recognizing the Symptoms of ADD Is Important
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and is now more commonly categorized as ADHD which is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neuro-psychiatric condition that typically presents itself in children at a very early age in their lives and development years. The term “ADD” is used to describe ADHD without the hyperactivity and impulsiveness behavior characteristics. The two terms are oftentimes used interchangeably for those who don’t and those who do posses those two characteristics of their behavior.
ADD was the original term that was used when it was originally diagnosed but today ADHD is the APA (American Psychiatric Association) approved name of the disorder that encompasses the characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness as the basic characteristics of the disorder. Today, ADHD is classified into three sub-categories – Predominantly Inattentive, and the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type. There is a 4th sub-category which is the Combined types of ADHD.
What are the most common symptoms of ADD?
The common symptoms of ADD – Predominantly Hyperactive type:
o The children display jerky movements and are unable to sit still for a length of time
o The children will not stay seated in the classroom or whenever they are told to
o Child has difficulty remaining calm and screams when told to be quiet.
The symptoms of ADD – Predominantly Impulsive type:
o ADD children are extremely impulsive or tend to be very impatient at times and are not able to wait their turn, oftentimes demanding that they go before anyone else
o They exclaim their answers to questions rather than answering normally and tend to answer before you have finished asking the question
o Children with ADD interfere with other people’s business by butting into conversations or disturbing other kids when they are playing games
The common symptoms of ADD – Predominantly Inattentive type:
o Children will not listen to you when you try to talk to them
o They have difficulty in organizing even the simplest of activities and/or tasks
o Children with ADD are unable to focus on key details especially where mistakes with homework and simple chores in the home are concerned
o They are easily distracted and then experiencing difficulties where paying attention while attempting to perform activities and tasks
o ADD afflicted children are incapable of understanding simple commands and completing certain tasks such as homework and chores in the home
o They forget daily activities or misplace items needed for completing tasks
o ADD child avoids, hates, and hesitates with activities and tasks that require their mental exertion
If any of the above symptoms of ADD persist for 6 months or longer and the child is 7 years of age or younger, there is a good chance that the child may have developed ADD. The symptoms should also be observed in other locations besides the home such as in school or at another friend’s home. If you have noticed any of the above, you should talk to your pediatrician or family physician so they can examine the child as soon as possible.

