ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER BEHAVIOR

ADD is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent and serious problems in holding/retaining attention, controlling impulse and displaying hyperactive behavior. Especially children and youngsters throughout the world can get affected by this mental condition or illness, which remains highly under-recognized till date. An estimated 5% of school-going kids are victims of ADD. ADD manifests itself 2 to 3 times more in boys than in girls.

Beginning in infancy and extending to adulthood, ADD can have a negative impact on an individual’s academic, emotional as well as social life.

It is believed (through medical research) that as many as 3.8 million school-age children are afflicted with ADD and majority of them happens to be boys. The common symptoms are difficulty in sitting still, short attention span and hyperactive behavior.

A student, prior to the age of 7, must display for at least 6 months a minimum of 8 of the following behavioral symptoms, to be diagnosed with ADD:

1)     Frequently gets involved in dangerous tasks

2)     Often loses things necessary for tasks

3)     Does not appear to listen

4)     Butts in or is impolite to others

5)     Talks excessively

6)     Has difficulty in playing quietly

7)     Shifts from one task to another, without completing any of them

8)     Has problems in retaining attention

9)     Has difficulty following instructions

10) Blurts out answers

11) Has problem waiting for her/his turn

12) Is easily distracted

13) Has difficulty remaining seated

14) Fidgets, squirms or is restless

15) Has problems with organization

There is a tendency for the symptoms to get reduced in late adolescence or early adulthood. However people do not outgrow ADD. Rather they learn to master strategies so that the signs are compensated or camouflaged.