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ADHD: Know the types and the symptoms

Explore the signs of ADHD, its different types, and expert guidance from Play Therapy to better understand and support children with ADHD.

POLOKWANE – When you spend time around parents of, mostly, primary school children you will soon learn how many of them are treated for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These children receive a variety of treatments, some chemical, some herbal and others behavioural.

Review spoke to Anita Kotzee from Play Therapy about the most common signs and types of ADHD.

“ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.”

Different types include:

Inattentive type:

1. The child does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

2. They have problems staying focused on tasks or activities.

3. He seems not to listen when spoken to.

4. He does not follow through on instructions and does not complete schoolwork or chores.

5. He has problems organising tasks and work, does not manage time well, has messy, disorganised work and misses deadlines.

6. He will avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort.

7. He will often lose things needed for tasks or daily life, such as books or his cellphone.

8. He is easily distracted.

9. He will forget daily tasks, like doing chores and running errands. Teenagers may forget to return phone calls and keep appointments.

Impulsive type:

Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences.

1. The child will fidget with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in their seat.

2. They are unable to stay seated in the classroom.

3. He will run or climb where it is inappropriate.

4. He is unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.

5. This child is always on the go as if driven by a vehicle.

6. He talks a lot.

Impulsivity

The child will blurt out an answer before a question has been finished or finish people’s sentences.

He has difficulty waiting for his turn, like when waiting in line.

They will interrupt or intrude on others, cut into conversations, games or activities, or start using other people’s things without permission.

Combined type:

This type of ADHD is diagnosed when the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.

“ADHD is typically diagnosed by mental health providers or primary care providers. It is important to note that several conditions can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety and substance use. ADHD may also co-exist with other mental health conditions, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning disorders. Therefore a full psychiatric evaluation is important. There are no specific blood tests or routine imaging for an ADHD diagnosis.”

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