|

Author:
News Canada


(NC)—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is thought by some to be an "academic" disability causing difficulties with attention and concentration in the classroom. However, ADHD is more than just an academic issue, it is a neurobiological disorder caused by chemical differences in the brain. Untreated, it may affect all aspects of the lives of those with ADHD, including his/her social interactions, extra-curricular activities and family relationships. ADHD requires continuous symptom relief to improve the overall functioning of a child.

Studies have shown that children with ADHD who do not receive treatment run the increased risk of accidental death, injury, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse and criminal activity, along with causing marital difficulties for their parents. Social abilities and development of strong interpersonal skills are also at risk. Many children with ADHD have few friends and suffer from low self-esteem.

Proper diagnosis can help those with ADHD put their difficulties into perspective and provide a better understanding of many ADHD symptoms. Although more formal checklists are used in assessing ADHD, the patient support group CHADD, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, lists the following core symptoms:

1. Poor attention to detail
   
   
2. Fidgeting
   
   
3. Difficulty sustaining attention
   
   
4. Poor listening skills
   
   
5. Difficulty following instructions
   
   
6. Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly
   
   
7. Poor organization
   
   
8. Always "on the go"
   
   
9. Excessive talking
   
   
10. Losing things
    
    
11. Easily distracted
    
    
12. Impatient
    
    
13. Forgetful
    
    
14. Interrupting others
    
    

| Article Keywords: ADHD News

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD News... How to deal with a spouse suffering from ADHD It is believed that people with common interest gel well. But what about those who suffer from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? How do they deal with their spouse who is normal and vice versa? There is many a time when a person who suffers from ADHD feels out of place in a non-ADHD world. He is seen to be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. The problem becomes more intractable if the ADHD patient is locked in an unfeeling marital relationship. The patient's self-confidence dips and life becomes quite unlivable. So, what should be done? To begin with, it is important to understand the way ADHD-affected people think. Their partners need to educate themselves about this disorder. There is no point in throwing tantrums if the behavior of your spouse is on account of a medical disorder. In fact, it makes more sense to change your ways to accommodate your spouse. There will be less conflict, and greater acceptability. There is no point in insisting that your ADHD-afflicted partner shoulder the same burden as you. In fact, this is the best way to destroy a happy relationship. It is even more foolish to demand that your spouse make a list of things that needs to be done, when you know that ADHD has reduced his or her ability to be better organized. Such demands can only end up lowering the self-esteem of your partner. A better solution would be to let your partner potter around, and feel happy in whatever he or she is doing. Most of the non- ADHD partners think that their ADHD partners are lazy and ADHD is just an excuse for their inappropriate behavior. This is not correct. Instead of blaming your partner, you should extend a helping hand. Also, don't overlook the pain and suffering that your partner undergoes...