What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Does your child have trouble sitting still or paying attention? You may have been told that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) may be the cause. A child with ADHD might have a hard time staying focused (attention deficit). He or she may also have trouble controlling impulses (hyperactivity disorder). A child with one or both of these problems struggles daily to perform and behave well. ADHD is no one’s fault. But if left untreated, it can deprive a child of self-esteem and limit success.
Which of the following describe your child?
These are some of the symptoms of ADHD:
Attention deficit
Lacks mental focus
Performs inconsistently
Is distracted easily
Has trouble shifting between tasks or settings
Is messy, or loses things
Forgets
Hyperactive/impulsive
Has trouble controlling impulses; might talk too much, interrupt, or have a hard time taking turns
Is easy to upset or anger
Is always moving (sometimes without purpose)
Does not learn from mistakes
What happens in the brain?
The brain controls your body, thoughts, and feelings. It does so with the help of neurotransmitters. These chemicals help the brain send and receive messages. With ADHD, the level of these chemicals often varies. This may cause signs of ADHD to come and go.
When messages are not received
With ADHD, chemicals in certain parts of the brain can be in short supply. Because of this, some messages do not travel between nerve cells. Messages that signal a person to control behavior or pay attention aren’t passed along. As a result, traits common to ADHD may occur.
Remember your child’s strengths
Children with ADHD can be challenging to raise. Because of this, it’s easy to overlook their good traits. What’s special about your child? Do your best to value and support your child’s unique talents, strengths, and interests.
Updated:  
October 17, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Ballas, Paul, DO,Nelson, Gain A., MS, APRN, BC