Misconceptions About Hyperactivity: How Hyper Is Too Hyper for Young Boys?
Every day, millions of parents wonder if their son’s hyper behavior is a normal product of age and gender, or if it’s something that needs to be addressed with a doctor. If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Indeed, it can be difficult for even the most conscientious parents to tell what is typical, and what is not.
A lot of the behaviors listed as symptoms of ADHD are also normal child-like behaviors, such as impatience, difficulty listening, and being frequently “on the move.” The way your son sometimes behaves may be frustrating, exhausting, even a little worrisome, but your chances are very good that he doesn’t have either ADD or ADHD.
But How Do I Know?
ADHD has been under serious study for many years, and the basis for diagnosis has been debated and researched for just as long. Careful study has led to a list of 18 symptoms. To reach a diagnosis of ADD, a patient must be exhibiting at least 6 of them. For a confident diagnosis of ADHD (a sub-type of ADD), that number rises to 12. While a boy who has trouble sitting still and enjoys being social with those around him might frustrate his parents, he most likely doesn’t have ADHD. But you might have grounds for a doctor’s evaluation if your child:
Has significant trouble staying seated
Runs around at inappropriate times
Has behavioral and/or academic problems at school
Intrudes in others’ activities and conversations
If your son seems to get hyper o...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tyler Jacobson Tags: ADHD and ADD Children and Teens Parenting Research Students Success & Achievement Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attentiveness Concentration Education Source Type: blogs
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