ADD and ADHD
Symptoms
What are the ADHD symptoms? How do you know if you or a loved one has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are some of the main signs that one is suffering from ADHD. These symptoms usually show up in early childhood and certain traits can continue on into adulthood.
For
children with ADHD, the
impulsivity and hyperactivity usually comes first, followed by
inattention a year later.
While it is completely normal for toddlers and preschoolers to bounce around, not sit still and act before thinking, a child who continues to exhibit these behaviors well into elementary school is often seen as “disruptive” and a “problem”. This leads teachers and parents to believe the child may have ADHD.
The evidence of the disorder becomes even clearer when a child has to settle down and do schoolwork. It is quite common for a child with ADD ADHD symptoms to perform poorly in the classroom. They often spend their day in La La Land, daydreaming the time away and avoiding work like the plague. This usually goes on not because they aren’t smart and can’t do the work. It happens simply because they can’t concentrate long enough to complete the work.
On the opposite end, a child who is sluggish or passive may also be showing symptoms of ADHD. They too are easily distracted, lack focus and relate poorly to peers. This form of behavior is usually called ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. It’s ADHD without the hyperactivity and is treated in a different way.
Adults have all of the same ADHD symptoms as children, but in a more controlled fashion. They may show signs of restlessness and disorganization which often makes it difficult to function at work and complete daily tasks. This sometimes leads to ADHD depression which need to be addressed.
Knowing that both children and adults struggle with the various forms of attention deficit disorder, it would be prudent to break the ADHD symptoms down further into specific types and patterns of behavior.
Types of ADD/ADHD
Child and adult Neuropsychiatrist and brain imaging specialist Dr. Daniel Amen wrote in his book "Healing ADD" that there are actually six distinct types or symptoms of ADD/ADHD that each require different treatments. He used multiple brain scan photos of his patients to support his theory. Amen’s classifications include:
• Classic ADHD
- Inattentive, distractible, disorganized, hyperactive, restless and
impulsive.
• Inattentive ADD
- Inattentive, sluggish, slow moving, low motivation, and often
described as space cadets, daydreamers and couch potatoes.
• Over-focused ADD
- Trouble shifting attention, frequently stuck in loops of negative
thoughts, obsessive, excessive worry, inflexible, oppositional and
argumentative.
• Temporal Lobe ADD
- Inattentive and irritable, aggressive, dark thoughts, mood
instability, very impulsive.
• Limbic System ADD
- Inattentive, chronic low-grade depression, negative, low energy,
feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
• Ring of Fire ADHD
- Inattentive, extremely distractible, angry, irritable, overly
sensitive to the environment, cyclic moodiness, hyper verbal, extremely
oppositional.
So which type are you?
Dr. Amen says before you treat ADD/ADHD symptoms, it is critical that you know which type you are dealing with. He says treating certain types the traditional way using stimulants and supplementing with L-Tyrosine, could actually make the symptoms much worse.
For more information about Dr. Amen and his treatment plan, check out his book, Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD.
To learn more about ADHD symptoms in children, watch our
online ADHD
Videos.
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Disclaimer: The above information is not provided by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding your medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.
