Children Who Can’t Pay Attention:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Parents are distressed when they receive a note from school saying that their child won't
listen to the teacher or causes trouble in class. One possible reason for this kind of
behavior is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Video: What is ADHD?
Even though the child with ADHD often wants to be a good student, the impulsive
behavior and difficulty paying attention in class frequently interferes and causes
problems. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the child is misbehaving or different
but they may not be able to tell exactly what is wrong.
Any child may show inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at times, but
the child with ADHD shows these symptoms and behaviors more frequently and severely
than other children of the same age or developmental level. ADHD occurs in 3-5% of
school age children. ADHD must begin before the age of seven and it can continue into
adulthood. ADHD runs in families with about 25% of biological parents also having this
medical condition.
Video: ADHD Risk Factors
A child with ADHD often shows some of the following:
• trouble paying attention
• inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
• easily distracted
• loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework
• trouble finishing class work and homework
• trouble listening
• trouble following multiple adult commands
• blurts out answers
• impatience
• fidgets or squirms
• leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively
• seems "on the go"
• talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly
• interrupts or intrudes on others
There are three types of ADHD. Some people have only difficulty with attention and
organization. This is also sometimes called Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. This is
ADHD inattentive subtype. Other people have only the hyperactive and impulsive
symptoms. This is ADHD-hyperactive subtype. The Third, and most commonly
identified group consists of those people who have difficulties with attention and
hyperactivity, or the combined type.
A child presenting with ADHD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation.
Parents should ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a child and
adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat this medical condition. A child with
ADHD may also have other psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder, anxiety
disorder, depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder. These children may also have learning
disabilities.
Without proper treatment, the child may fall behind in schoolwork, and friendships may
suffer. The child experiences more failure than success and is criticized by teachers and
family who do not recognize a health problem.
Medication can help improve attention, focus, goal directed behavior, and organizational skills Other treatment approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills
training, parent education, and modifications to the child’s education program.
Behavioral therapy can help a child control aggression, modulate social behavior, and be
more productive. Cognitive therapy can help a child build self-esteem, reduce negative
thoughts, and improve problem-solving skills. Parents can learn management skills such
as issuing instructions one-step at a time rather than issuing multiple requests at once.
Education modifications can address ADHD symptoms along with any coexisting
learning disabilities.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Parents are distressed when they receive a note from school saying that their child won't
listen to the teacher or causes trouble in class. One possible reason for this kind of
behavior is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Video: What is ADHD?
Even though the child with ADHD often wants to be a good student, the impulsive
behavior and difficulty paying attention in class frequently interferes and causes
problems. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the child is misbehaving or different
but they may not be able to tell exactly what is wrong.
Any child may show inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at times, but
the child with ADHD shows these symptoms and behaviors more frequently and severely
than other children of the same age or developmental level. ADHD occurs in 3-5% of
school age children. ADHD must begin before the age of seven and it can continue into
adulthood. ADHD runs in families with about 25% of biological parents also having this
medical condition.
Video: ADHD Risk Factors
A child with ADHD often shows some of the following:
• trouble paying attention
• inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
• easily distracted
• loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework
• trouble finishing class work and homework
• trouble listening
• trouble following multiple adult commands
• blurts out answers
• impatience
• fidgets or squirms
• leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively
• seems "on the go"
• talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly
• interrupts or intrudes on others
There are three types of ADHD. Some people have only difficulty with attention and
organization. This is also sometimes called Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. This is
ADHD inattentive subtype. Other people have only the hyperactive and impulsive
symptoms. This is ADHD-hyperactive subtype. The Third, and most commonly
identified group consists of those people who have difficulties with attention and
hyperactivity, or the combined type.
A child presenting with ADHD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation.
Parents should ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a child and
adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat this medical condition. A child with
ADHD may also have other psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder, anxiety
disorder, depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder. These children may also have learning
disabilities.
Without proper treatment, the child may fall behind in schoolwork, and friendships may
suffer. The child experiences more failure than success and is criticized by teachers and
family who do not recognize a health problem.
Medication can help improve attention, focus, goal directed behavior, and organizational skills Other treatment approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills
training, parent education, and modifications to the child’s education program.
Behavioral therapy can help a child control aggression, modulate social behavior, and be
more productive. Cognitive therapy can help a child build self-esteem, reduce negative
thoughts, and improve problem-solving skills. Parents can learn management skills such
as issuing instructions one-step at a time rather than issuing multiple requests at once.
Education modifications can address ADHD symptoms along with any coexisting
learning disabilities.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
