ADHD

Update posted June 19, 2008: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released new recommendations about the use of heart tests - including an electrocardiogram (ECG) - for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before starting treatment with stimulant drugs. The AAP currently recommends that children with ADHD have a thorough patient history, family history, and physical exam before starting treatment with stimulant drugs. The AAP does not recommend that children have an ECG unless the patient history, family's history, or physical examination raises concerns. Parents with questions or concerns about the use of ECGs should consult their child's pediatrician.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. It is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. It affects 4% to 12% of school-aged children. About 3 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.

The condition affects behavior in specific ways.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD includes 3 groups of behavior symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The table below explains these symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD
Symptom	How a child with this symptom may behave
Inattention	Often has a very hard time paying attention, daydreams
	Often does not seem to listen
	Is easily distracted from work or play
	Often does not seem to care about details, makes careless mistakes
	Frequently does not follow through on instructions or finish tasks
	Is disorganized
	Frequently loses a lot of important things
	Often forgets things
	Frequently avoids doing things that require ongoing mental effort
Hyperactivity	Is in constant motion, as if "driven by a motor"
	Cannot stay seated
	Frequently squirms and fidgets
	Talks too much
	Often runs, jumps, and climbs when this is not permitted
	Cannot play quietly
Impulsivity	Frequently acts and speaks without thinking
	May run into the street without looking for traffic first
	Frequently has trouble taking turns
	Cannot wait for things
	Often calls out answers before the question is complete
	Frequently interrupts others

Types of ADHD

Not all children with ADHD have all the symptoms. They may have one or more of the symptom groups listed in the table above. The symptoms usually are classified as the following types of ADHD:

How you can tell if your child has ADHD

Remember, it is normal for all children to show some of these symptoms from time to time. Your child may be reacting to stress at school or home. She may be bored or going through a difficult stage of life. It does not mean she has ADHD.

Sometimes a teacher is the first to notice inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity and bring these symptoms to the parents' attention.

Perhaps questions from your pediatrician raised the issue. At routine visits, pediatricians often ask questions such as

Your answers to these questions may lead to further evaluation for ADHD.

If your child has shown symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than 6 months, discuss this with your pediatrician.