Home » Misc » Babies with adhd symptoms

Babies with adhd symptoms


Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Toddlers

Mental health professionals do not diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children under age 4. Certain behaviors associated with ADHD in school aged children may be considered typical in toddlers.

Professionals typically diagnose ADHD in school aged children 12 or younger. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, doctors and healthcare professionals should not diagnose the condition in children before age 4.

ADHD is more than just typical toddler behavior. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the condition must occur over a long period and impair functioning. This is part of the reason ADHD is not typically diagnosed in toddlerhood.

While toddlers may show some signs of ADHD, it does not necessarily mean they have the condition. At this age, they may have difficulty paying attention or be hyperactive or impulsive.

But some toddler behaviors may lead some parents to wonder whether or not their child has ADHD or has a chance of developing it.

Read on for a checklist of symptoms to watch out for.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may cause hyperactivity (constantly active behavior) and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD, including children, typically have trouble focusing on one task. They may also have difficulty sitting still for long periods.

According to a 2019 study, some behaviors noted in toddlerhood could be related to the development of ADHD. However, considerably more research is needed.

According to the NIH, these are the three main signs of the condition in kids over age 3:

  • inattention
  • hyperactivity
  • impulsivity

These behaviors also occur in children without ADHD. A child won’t receive an ADHD diagnosis unless they have several symptoms that have been present for at least 6 months and that affect their functioning. These symptoms may affect their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities.

Great care must be taken in diagnosing ADHD in children, particularly when considering medication. A mental health professional or pediatrician will be the best at making a diagnosis at this young age.

Many mental health professionals will not make a diagnosis until the child has been in school. This is because a key criterion for ADHD is that the symptoms are present in two or more settings. For example, a child shows symptoms at home and school, or with a parent and with friends or relatives.

Several behaviors can indicate your child has difficulty with attention, a key sign of ADHD. In school aged children, symptoms of inattention may look like:

  • difficulty with sustaining attention, in play or completing work
  • difficulty listening and following directions
  • difficulty paying attention to detail and making seemingly small mistakes
  • challenges staying organized
  • avoiding tasks at home or school that require more sustained attention

Note, however, that these behaviors can also be typical in a toddler and expected for their developmental phase.

In the past, ADHD was called attention deficit disorder.

Many medical and mental health communities call the condition ADHD because the disorder often includes components of both hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is particularly true when diagnosed in preschool aged children.

Signs of hyperactivity that your toddler may display include:

  • being overly fidgety and squirmy when seated
  • being unable to sit still for calm activities like eating and having books read to them
  • talking and making noise excessively
  • running from toy to toy, or constantly being in motion
  • running around or climbing at inappropriate times

Another symptom of ADHD is impulsivity. Signs that your child has overly impulsive behaviors can include:

  • displaying extreme impatience with others
  • having difficulty waiting for their turn when playing with other children
  • interrupting when others are talking
  • speaking at inappropriate times
  • answering questions before they are fully asked or finishing other people’s sentences

Again, these can be expected behaviors in toddlers. They would only be a reason for concern if they’re extreme when compared to those of children of a similar age or if they’re affecting your toddler’s functioning.

A school aged child with ADHD may show other symptoms as well. These may include:

  • more frustration, anger, and outbursts than their peers
  • endangering oneself or others due to fearlessness
  • difficulty calming down
  • aggressive behaviors (toward self or others)
  • little need for sleep

While mental health professionals should not diagnose ADHD in toddlers, you may want to discuss your concerns with a pediatrician or mental health professional. This may help determine a diagnosis when your child reaches school age. These healthcare professionals may also offer suggestions to help with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Children can only receive an ADHD diagnosis when they have reached school age. Pediatricians and mental health professionals may base an ADHD diagnosis on the child’s behaviors and other symptoms.

It’s sometimes easy for parents and teachers to mistake certain behaviors for ADHD.

For example, toddlers sitting quietly and behaving in preschool may not be paying attention. Children with hyperactivity may have challenges listening to, understanding, or carrying out instructions.

Most toddlers may show hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention at times. This may look like excessive energy or trouble following directions.

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, you may want to speak with a pediatrician or mental health professional.

The NIH notes that ADHD can be very common among children. The CDC estimates that 2% of children ages 3 to 5 have ADHD.

If you think your toddler may be showing signs of ADHD, consider sharing your concerns with a pediatrician. They may be able to help you and your child manage the condition. They may also point out other signs to look for and guide the diagnosis process when your child is old enough.

While there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can help improve your child’s symptoms. This may include:

  • medication
  • psychotherapy, including family therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy
  • lifestyle measures

For success at school, certain classroom management tactics may also help improve your child’s attention.

Doctors and healthcare professionals do not diagnose ADHD in toddlers. They may diagnose the condition in school aged children.

Many behaviors associated with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in school aged children may be typical behavior in toddlers.

If you have concerns about your toddler’s behavior, you may want to discuss them with a pediatrician or mental health professional.

ADHD vs. ADD: What’s the Difference?

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is an outdated term for what experts now call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The term ADD first appeared in the third edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-3),” a reference manual that helps mental health professionals diagnose mental health conditions.

Experts separated the condition into two subtypes:

  • ADD with hyperactivity
  • ADD without hyperactivity

When the American Psychiatric Association released a revised edition in 1987, they combined these two subtypes into one condition: ADHD.

Today, ADHD is one of the more common childhood mental health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 9.4 percent of children and adolescents (just over 6 million) in the United States have ADHD.

Adults can have ADHD, too. According to a 2021 review, nearly 2.6 percent of adults globally have persistent ADHD from childhood, while about 6.7 percent of adults have symptoms of adult ADHD.

Since these estimates come from reported symptoms and diagnoses, some believe the real prevalence of ADHD could be higher.

Experts have identified three types of ADHD, based on the main symptoms involved:

  • inattention
  • impulsivity and hyperactivity
  • a combination of inattention and hyperactivity

Inattentive type

Originally, ADD described the inattentive type of ADHD.

A doctor or mental health professional might have diagnosed ADD when someone had persistent symptoms of inattention and distractibility, but few signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Now, they’d most likely diagnose ADHD with a predominantly inattentive presentation.

Symptoms of the inattentive type include:

  • easy distractibility
  • frequent forgetfulness in daily life
  • trouble paying attention to details or listening when other people speak
  • difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities
  • trouble following instructions and completing tasks as directed
  • a tendency to lose focus or get sidetracked easily
  • difficulty staying organized or managing time
  • a tendency to put off or avoid tasks that require long periods of mental effort, such as homework or work projects
  • a habit of losing vital things needed for daily routines and activities

These signs might show up at school, work, home, or in personal relationships.

With this type of ADHD, you (or your child) might:

  • have trouble keeping track of special dates like birthdays and anniversaries along with due dates for work assignments and bill payments
  • find it difficult to complete tasks on time, and procrastinate on schoolwork, chores, or even projects you enjoy
  • have a hard time paying attention, even to things that interest you, like the latest book in a favorite series or a friend’s description of a recent trip
  • make frequent mistakes in your work

Hyperactive type

This type of ADHD, also called the hyperactive-impulsive type, involves symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Key symptoms include:

  • difficulty sitting quietly, remaining still, or staying in one place
  • excessive talking
  • difficulty waiting patiently or taking turns
  • frequent fidgeting, squirming, or tapping hands and feet
  • trouble staying seated in school, work, or other situations
  • persistent feelings of restlessness, which might show up as a tendency to run or climb in inappropriate situations
  • trouble playing quietly or participating in relaxing activities
  • a habit of finishing others’ sentences or giving an answer before someone finishes asking a question
  • a habit of interrupting others, intruding on conversations and activities, or using others’ belongings without permission

Again, these symptoms will show up in multiple areas of life. You might, for example:

  • need to pace the room or move around a lot, or feel as if you can’t stop moving
  • have trouble waiting in long lines, traffic, or for appointments
  • jump in with your own thoughts and ideas when others are talking
  • make decisions or shop impulsively
  • have emotional outbursts, or find it hard to manage extreme or intense emotions

Combined type

People with the combined type of ADHD have symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.

Children under the age of 17 need to have at least 6 symptoms from each category. Adults ages 17 and older need to have at least 5 symptoms.

Some experts suggest that the combined type of ADHD is more common than the other two types, especially in adults.

In an older study of 107 adults with ADHD:

  • 62 percent of adults with ADHD had the combined type
  • 31 percent had the predominantly inattentive type
  • 7 percent had the hyperactive-impulsive type

But a more recent review explored the prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents in Africa. They found evidence to suggest combined ADHD was the least common type.

According to data from 12 studies:

  • 2.95 percent of children and adolescents with ADHD had the predominantly inattentive type
  • 2.77 percent had the hyperactive-impulsive type
  • 2.44 percent had the combined type

It’s possible that parents and teachers may simply find signs of combined ADHD easier to recognize. As a result, people with the combined type could have a better chance of getting the right diagnosis, since their symptoms align with behaviors most people associate with ADHD. This could give the perception that combined ADHD is more common than other types of ADHD.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires more than the key symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.

Not only do children need to have 6 or more symptoms (5 or more for adults) for at least 6 months, they also need to:

  • have some symptoms before the age of 12
  • show symptoms in at least two different settings, including at school, home, work, with friends, or during other activities
  • have symptoms severe enough to interfere with function at school, work, or in social situations and affect quality of life

Before making a diagnosis of ADHD, a mental health professional will also rule out other mental health conditions, including:

  • mood or anxiety disorders
  • substance use disorders
  • personality disorders
  • dissociative disorders

Parents and teachers may not always notice symptoms of ADHD in children, especially when those symptoms are less easy to observe and don’t disturb others.

Research from 2020 notes, for example, that inattentive symptoms often go unrecognized, especially in girls, since these symptoms generally don’t disrupt others. A child with inattentive ADHD might seem dreamy or distant. They might also seem intently focused on what looks like class notes when they’re actually doodling or zoning out.

If you don’t get a diagnosis in childhood, you might not seek support unless you begin to have problems at work or school, or in your relationships with friends and romantic partners.

Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve with age. That said, if you never get the right diagnosis or treatment, you might continue to find those symptoms difficult to cope with. As a result, you might feel as if they’re getting worse over time.

Other mental health symptoms, like anxiety and depression, not to mention the everyday stressors that come with being an adult, can also affect your symptoms. These factors could lead to changes in the symptoms you experience.

Generally speaking, the symptoms of ADHD remain much the same for children and adults. But if you have more responsibilities as an adult, your symptoms could have more of an impact on your life.

  • In childhood, it might matter less if you frequently forget dates or lose your keys, if you have parents and siblings to help you out.
  • As an adult, forgetting to pay your rent, losing your wallet, or frequently showing up late for work could have more serious consequences.

Learn more about key signs of ADHD in adults.

You might have heard ADD (the inattentive type of ADHD, that is) described as a “less severe” form of ADHD, or something along those lines.

In reality, though, none of the three ADHD types are necessarily any more or less severe than the others.

Still, symptom severity absolutely can differ from person to person, even in the same family. You and a sibling could both have the combined type of ADHD, for example, but one of you may have milder symptoms.

The so-called “milder” inattention symptoms can still have a big impact. These symptoms may not affect your conduct or behavior at school or work in any obvious way. But you might still face plenty of difficulties focusing, staying organized, or completing tasks correctly and on time.

These symptoms might not improve if they go undiagnosed and untreated, so they can last into adulthood and continue to create challenges in your life.

Getting the correct diagnosis and finding the best treatment for you can go a long way toward helping you manage these symptoms effectively.

Learn more about treatment options for ADHD.

Mental health professionals no longer diagnose ADD. Instead, they’ll diagnose one of three types of ADHD — inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined — based on your (or your child’s) symptoms.

Sharing all of the symptoms you notice with your therapist or doctor can help them to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

At the end of the day, what matters most is finding a treatment that works for you, whether that involves therapy, medication, or both. Determining the type of ADHD you have can put you one step closer to finding an effective treatment.

causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults

Symptoms of ADHD in children

Causes of pathology

Diagnosis

Treatment methods for ADHD

Prevention


Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). As a rule, it is diagnosed in children aged 6-8 years, when the child goes to school. It is at this time that it becomes obvious that the child has pronounced problems with behavior and perception of information.

ADHD is a neurological-behavioral developmental disorder. Pathology makes itself felt in childhood, but in the absence of timely therapy, it can persist into adulthood. According to statistics, ADHD is most common in boys, but can also occur in girls. If the pathology is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, this is fraught with poor school performance, the child may develop serious social problems, which increases the risk of substance abuse in the future.

Symptoms of ADHD in children

Consider some of the signs that may signal ADHD in children:

  • The child is constantly distracted, inattentive, when communicating with him there is a feeling that he is not listening to you.
  • It is difficult for him to keep his attention on the teacher's words for a long time, because of which the understanding of information also suffers.
  • Increased activity is observed - the child literally cannot sit in one place. Even during school hours, he can get up and walk around the classroom.
  • The child is impatient, cannot wait for his turn, constantly interrupts, answers questions without waiting for them to end.
  • Children with ADHD are characterized by emotional instability, which can be manifested by frequent mood swings: a child can suddenly become irritable, tearful, and restless for no reason.
  • Disorder is typical - children with this diagnosis often lose their belongings (for example, school supplies, money, keys).
  • Problems with sleep and appetite, with daily routine.

Additionally, some neurological abnormalities may be observed. For example, a child with ADHD may have poor motor coordination, resulting in some clumsiness. Also, in some cases, twitching of the facial muscles and trembling of the limbs are observed.

The first signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are observed at the age of 2-3 years, but at this age it is difficult to determine whether they are a manifestation of pathology or normal age-related features.

However, if by the age of 6-8 years the child has not become more attentive and collected, this is an alarming sign that makes it possible to assume ADHD with a high degree of probability. That is why, if you have the above symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and start treatment.

Causes of pathology

There is no single reason for the development of ADHD. Many experts agree that the most common cause may be genetic mutations that lead to a disruption in the production of dopamine and the work of dopamine receptors.

Also, the causes of the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be the following factors:

  • Severe pregnancy, complicated delivery, including prolonged or rapid.
  • Use by the expectant mother during pregnancy of potent drugs, alcoholic beverages, toxic substances.
  • Serious pathologies suffered by a child at an early age, including craniocerebral trauma.
  • Psychological trauma in a child.
  • Fetal asphyxia.

It is also worth noting that this pathology has a hereditary predisposition. It was found that the presence of ADHD in parents significantly increases the likelihood of developing this syndrome in a child.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of ADHD is not established only on the basis of existing complaints. To accurately confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct some examinations. First of all, you need to visit a neurologist, psychiatrist and psychologist.

During the consultation, the doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts various tests, conversations, and diagnostic surveys.

In order to identify the cause of the development of ADHD, consultations with other specialists may also be required, as well as instrumental and laboratory examination methods, such as: EEG, MRI of the brain, general and biochemical blood tests.

ADHD treatments

It should be noted that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder most often has a favorable prognosis (provided that therapy is started in a timely manner). It is possible to significantly improve the behavior and learning of the child.

Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the causes of its occurrence, the doctor may prescribe such types of treatment as:

  • Medical treatment: the patient may be prescribed sedatives, antidepressants, neurostimulants.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • A clear daily routine: a balanced diet, good sleep.
  • Family therapy: if there are conflicts in the family, ADHD often develops against this background.
  • Biofeedback therapy: this method of treatment is aimed at training the child's ability to self-regulate their states with the help of computer game tasks.
  • Physiotherapy techniques, eg massage, exercise, kinesiotherapy.

Additionally, other methods of treatment can be used.

Prevention

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent the development of ADHD. However, there are some factors that significantly reduce the risk of developing pathology. For example, the expectant mother should follow a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, give up bad habits. Before conception, it is desirable to undergo a complete examination, if necessary, to pre-treat existing pathologies.

Also, as a prevention of ADHD, the following recommendations should be observed:

  • The child should be active, walk outdoors more often.
  • The regimen of the day and meals must be clear.
  • Monitor the child's behavior, immediately stop unacceptable behavior on his part.
  • It is very important to build a trusting relationship between parents and children.
  • Family conflicts should be avoided.

At the first signs of ADHD, it is recommended to contact specialists who will help minimize the risk of developing more serious pathologies in the future.

You can learn more about the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at a face-to-face appointment with a doctor. Be healthy!


Author of the article:

Markelov Gleb Vladimirovich

neurologist, online consultations

work experience 4 years

reviews Leave a review

Clinic

m. Sukharevskaya

Reviews

Services

  • Title
  • Appointment, consultation of a neurologist primary 2100