It's more than just fidgeting

ADHD IN CHILDREN: HYPERACTIVITY, IMPULSIVITY, DISTRACTION IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND

- Citizen reporter

There are many faces of attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder. Procrastination, risk-taking, impulsivity, difficulty completing tasks, and problems maintaining focus are among the features of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in adults.

In children, these symptoms often come with noticeable hyperactivity and fidgeting, which are typically associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

“In the past 30 to 40 years, what was once considered a fringe condition affecting only children and adolescents has become widely recognised in mainstream medicine as a condition that can affect children and adults,” says psychiatrist Dr Ulli Meys, who practises at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth and serves as an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town and the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

“Children were often thought to ‘grow out of’ ADHD, but we now know many continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.”

Children with ADHD may display excessive energy combined with risk-taking behaviours.

They are often overly talkative, constantly on the move “like the Duracell Bunny”, climbing to dangerous heights, jumping off roofs, or engaging in other risky activities. In the classroom, they may leave their seats, be disruptive, fail to listen, or be easily distracted.