Early signs at pregnancy and birth may predict the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, a new study has revealed.
Experts from Ireland’s RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences identified 17 factors that are particularly strong in identifying children with a higher likelihood of developing ADHD.
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty in paying attention and hyperactivity. The chronic condition that affects millions of children worldwide often continues into adulthood.
In the U.S., 11% of children between the ages of two and 17 have been diagnosed with the condition, while 7.2% of children worldwide live with it.
Based on the signs, there are three types of ADHD:
Inattentive
According to American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic tool, a child with at least six of the following nine behaviors have inattentive ADHD:
- Difficulty in paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
- Trouble remaining focused on tasks and activities
- Having a short attention span and getting easily distracted
- Trouble following instructions
- Difficulty with organizing tasks and activities
- Avoiding tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
- Losing things frequently
- Easily distracted by outside stimuli
- Forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive/impulsive
When a child has six of the nine symptoms and those symptoms pose problems in daily activity, they are diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD.
- Frequent fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming
- Difficulty sitting still when expected to remain seated
- Running or climbing when it is not appropriate
- Trouble playing in calm or quiet surroundings
- Excessive physical movement
- Excessive talking
- Speaking out answers before questions are completed
- Difficulty to wait for their turn
- Interrupting conversations or games
Combined ADHD
Children who show behaviors from both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive categories are diagnosed with combined ADHD.
The…
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