Many children are labelled as 'hyperactive' but the disorder is rarely explained fully. Psychotherapist Frances Campbell takes us through some of the symptoms and treatments of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in pre-teen children

Spotting the signs
We often hear children described as hyperactive, but what exactly does this mean? Most happy, normal children have a lot of energy, so how do you distinguish between an excited child and someone suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)? The answer is that it can be difficult. This disorder can vary in intensity and most children will express some of the symptoms some of the time. Unfortunately, there are no specific tests for ADHD, so a diagnosis is based on the child's behaviour.

Below are some of the symptoms exhibited by children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It should be stressed though, that the condition is revealed differently in each child.

Lack of concentration: The name of this disorder gives us an obvious clue as to one of the major symptoms. Children suffering from an Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder find it difficult to concentrate and tend to be extremely restless. They won't be able to stay seated for long and can't settle down to tasks or play. Of course, anyone who's worked with pre-teens would rightly say that this description covers a lot of the kids they deal with, so how else can we spot something is wrong?

Unusually aggressive: One of the best ways to tell if a child is hyperactive is to watch how he or she behaves with contemporaries. Children with ADHD find it difficult to relate accurately to those around them. For example, if they come up against one of the normal frustrations in playing a game, they can become unduly irritable or aggressive with their playmates. So fighting often, for little apparent reason, would be a possible indication of ADHD

Unaware of physical danger: Although most children appear frighteningly unaware of potential hazards, this trait can be more extreme in children with ADHD. They may wander off, to be found later at the top of a high tree or setting fire to the house

Impulsive: This is part of the same anti-social, restless behaviour already described. If the child has something to say then he or she will blurt it out, even if it's in a social situation where other children know they should be quiet. They may also barge into games and conversations they are interested in, without being asked

Emotional and intellectual immaturity: Children with ADHD may seem emotionally younger than their contemporaries. Again, this is difficult to recognise ? children develop differently. For example, a group of ten five-year-olds might exhibit a range of `mental? ages and all be quite healthy and normal. Schoolwork can be examined ? children with ADHD will often lag behind their classmates, mainly because they are unable to concentrate

Forgetful and/or clumsy: Ok, all children lose and break things. Hyperactive children may just be even more forgetful and clumsy than other kids

Attention-seeking: All of the above symptoms are examples of attention-seeking. Hyperactive children are extremely demanding and their behaviour forces the parent or teacher to spend more time with them than anyone else.

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