A Short Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

Walk into a classroom; chances are one student has been diagnosed with ADHD. Fifteen years ago most Americans had no clue about ADHD: today, over 5 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Attention deficit disorder symptoms mimic other childhood behaviors or problems and parents need to know there are CLEAR guidelines used to diagnose attention disorder symptoms.

Attention deficit disorder symptoms are classified into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms specific to each classification follow:

Inattention: forgetfulness, boredom, incomplete assignments, appearance of not listening, difficulty following directions and focusing.

Hyperactivity: fidgeting, running around touching things, always moving, constant talking and incapable of quiet time.

Impulsivity: difficulty taking turns/waiting, impatient, blurts out comments, interrupting, no restraint demonstrating emotions.

Every child I've ever met has exhibited at least one of these symptoms growing up. How can you tell then if they really have ADHD or if they are just kids being kids? There are other factors that must be considered before diagnosing ADHD.

1) Genetics: Research suggests ADHD is inherited. Check your family background: is there a history of ADHD behaviors or symptoms?

2) Learning disabilities: Many attention deficit disorder symptoms are similar to those displayed with learning disorders.

3) Other considerations: Poor diet, emotional problems, and injury can foster symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Rule these out before making a diagnosis.

Identifying and diagnosing attention deficit disorder symptoms, does not happen in one doctor's visit. Classroom observations should be made and if symptoms are not obvious at home, a flag should be raised. Behavioral modifications need to be attempted first and if symptoms cease, your child may not have ADHD.

Finally, if you are not comfortable with the process, you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision, or your intuition says "it's something else", get a second opinion. A non-school counselor or psychiatrist is a good choice.

Counselors take time to listen and observe symptoms recognized in your child, and will suggest options other than medication to treat symptoms. Counselors will often suggest behavior modification plans, and can provide parents with additional skills to help cope with symptoms.

In addition, they may suggest using herbal or homeopathic remedies to alleviate symptoms. One great thing about homeopathic remedies is they can be given before a formal diagnosis is made. Because homeopathic remedies are completely safe and there are no side effects, parents can feel comfortable giving them to their children.

Attention deficit disorder symptoms can also occur in other childhood conditions. Take time, get a second opinion if necessary, but most of all be comfortable in the decision you make regarding your child's health.

Shannon Pollock is a health enthusiast who specializes in natural remedies. She has researched and written extensively on ADHD. Discover which ADHD treatments Shannon has found to be the most successful and the safest to use on her website: Natural-Health-Remedies-and-More.