A Primer on Basic Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

Attention deficit disorder is a condition that affects mostly children. However, teens and adults can be diagnosed with this disorder as well. In some cases, basic attention deficit disorder symptoms can be mistaken for other problems like learning disabilities or behavioral issues. When an accurate diagnosis is not made, the patient is not offered the correct treatment to help keep challenging symptoms under control. That is why it is important to have a good understanding of basic attention deficit disorder symptoms so you know if a visit to the doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan is in order.

Pay Attention!

As the name suggests, basic attention deficit disorder symptoms revolve around a person’s attention span and ability to concentrate and stay on task. People with attention deficit disorder have trouble finishing tasks or assignments, because they become easily distracted. This is true even on activities they truly enjoy. It is also difficult to finish tasks because people with this disorder have trouble listening to and following directions accurately. This makes it difficult to complete tasks properly.

Other basic attention deficit disorder symptoms involve an inability to wait patiently for one’s turn. People with this disorder often speak out, interrupting others or answering a question that has not been asked completely. These people have trouble waiting their turn in line as well. When they are asked to sit still, they tend to fidget and wiggle in their seats. This is difficult if you are a student in classes all day long, but it can be even more challenging for an adult who has to sit at a desk eight hours a day.

Other Basic Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

Basic attention deficit disorder symptoms can also be identified through a characterization of disorganization or forgetfulness. These traits are generally an outward appearance of an inward inability to focus and stay on task. People with attention deficit disorder also have difficulty with details and may make careless mistakes on assignments or jobs. They may shy away from complex tasks that they know they will have great difficulty completing. In these cases, procrastination may also become one of the basic attention deficit disorder symptoms.

It is important to understand what basic attention deficit disorder symptoms look like, because they can appear from childhood all the way into the adult years. If your child is having difficulty in school finishing assignments and staying on tasks, he may be displaying basic attention deficit disorder symptoms. However, children labeled as behavior problems or slow learners may also have this condition. Recognizing the basic attention deficit disorder symptoms is the first step to getting an accurate diagnosis through an attention deficit disorder test and an effective treatment plan, which might include a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.