REASONS WHY IT MIGHT NOT BE ADHD

ADHD(Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is one of the most common developmental conditions of childhood that is characterized by inattention and distractiblility with or without accompanying hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functionality and development. This disorder is one of the most common mental disorders affecting about 3 to 5 percent of school-age children. It is seen 4 times more often in boys than in girls.

Three key symptoms of this disorder to keep in mind is INATTENTION, HYPERACTIVITY AND IMPULSIVENESS.

There has been recent occasions where people/individuals have associated their children with this disorder either because they possess one or more of the characteristics that is associated with ADHD even without proper diagnosis. Nonetheless here are some direct reasons as to why it might be ADHD.

• Firstly, It is a childhood disorder. Although it can persist into adolescence and adulthood, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders guidelines require that a child must show behaviors typical of ADHD before the age of seven. These guideline basically says that if characteristics associated with ADHD such as persistent inability to sit still, focus attention on specific tasks, and control impulses are not observed before the age of seven, then the individual most definitely does not have the disorder.

• Secondly, it is good to note that this behaviour must occur more frequently than in other children of the same age. If the hyperactivity we see in our children is the same as that of every other children in a setting then the child most likely does not have the disorder.

• Thirdly, it is essential to also bear in mind that the behavior must occur in at least two settings, such as classroom and home, rather than just at a single setting.  Individuals with this disorder must present its characteristic symptoms in almost all setting not just in a particular setting that is unfavorable to them.
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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a biological disorder caused by abnormalities in the brain and studies have shown that areas of the brain that controls attention span and limit impulsive behaviors are less active in individuals with this disorder. Additionally, genetic factors also play an important role.

As mentioned earlier In this write up it is good to bear In mind that proper diagnosis is important.