Article: Subtle signs of ADHD

In the past decade, the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rose 24 percent, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, the pediatric journal of the American Medical Association. The disorder is both over- and under-diagnosed. Because the symptoms overlap, ADHD can often be mistaken for other disorders such as anxiety, depression and oppositional defiant disorder. Untreated ADHD can hinder a child’s ability to learn and perform well in school, make friends and interact with family, and develop age-appropriate decision-making skills. A mistaken ADHD diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment, medication and a great deal of stress for the child and parents. Accurate and early diagnosis is key to successfully treating ADHD, experts say. Progress toward a diagnosis usually begins with parental concerns over a child’s behavior or problems in school. Symptoms of ADHD can include: * Difficulty paying attention * Frequent daydreaming at inappropriate times * Easily distracted from schoolwork or play * Forgetfulness * Inability to sit still * Excessive fidgeting * Talking too much or speaking without thinking * Inability to play quietly * Difficulty learning to take turns. “While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ADHD can help people with the disorder lead successful lives.
(article excerpt from http://specialedpost.com/2013/03/14/the-subtle-signs-of-add/)