Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Clinically, a child or an adult who is being diagnosed with a DSM-IV disorder, the presenting problems/symptoms should be up to a level which is significantly impairing the person’ functioning (social, work/study and any others) and rule out the possibility of other biological causes of the problem. A child with or without ADHD should be diagnosed by a trained professional. Based on researches and clinical observations, some behaviors and features could be found in children suffered from ADHD are listed as follows: 

1. Hyperactivity – No matter when and where, "high level of activity"
2. Distractibility and inattentive – Always open to any external stimuli
3. Attention-seeking behaviors – needs for attention could never be satisfied
4. Impulsivity – do whatever they want without thinking and have no concern about the results
5. Learning difficulties
6. Mood instability
7. Poor peer relationship

Medications, along with psychological intervention are importance in treating children with ADHD. Social skills group, parent training, and behavioral intervention at school and at home are often efficacious in the overall management of children with ADHD. Parents and teachers should work together to develop a reward and structured system that could help children with ADHD consistently to be trained and educated in school and at home.