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Everyone finds it more difficult to pay attention if they are tired or not very interested in a topic. Most of us get restless at times, especially children. Some of the reasons children and adults can have difficulty paying attention include: being worried about something, undergoing changes or unusual stresses, being depressed, having obsessive thoughts, a learning disability, not feeling good, or being too tired. A professional can help you sort out why you or your child are having difficulty paying attention.
One possible reason for trouble paying attention or sitting still is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Three to five percent of the population has ADD or ADHD. Seventy percent of those with the disorder have both attention problems and hyperactivity; about 30 percent have attention problems but no hyperactivity. Approximately three times more boys are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD than girls, but there are concerns that girls may be under-diagnosed.
Persons with ADHD, whether they are adults or children, can sometimes pay attention when they are very interested in the topic, or if they are actively engaged in an activity. They usually do better on a one-to-one basis than in a room full of people. Thus, we often hear parents complain that the child can pay attention to his electronic games, such as Nintendo, for hours. Or, that the person does well in a conversation if there is just one or two others in the room, but less well in a room full of others.
Those who have difficulties paying attention may show some of the following symptoms:
- Produce sloppy work with errors that seem careless or rushed.
- Frequently talk out of turn
- Have difficulty waiting his or her turn in group situations
- Fail to follow through with directions
- Be unable to attend to a task as long as others of the same age
- Respond impulsively by word or action
- Lack awareness of usual social cues
- Be distracted easily
- Be disorganized and lose belongings often
- Get into dangerous situations/activities often
Not all persons who have trouble paying attention also have hyperactivity, but those who do show:
- Excessive activity that is poorly organized and may seem without goal or direction
- Excessive fidgeting
Hyperactivity is often less noticeable in older children and adults. This may be because the person has learned to manage their behavior or to vent the energy in more acceptable ways. The same can be said for the attention difficulties. Some persons seem to learn different "tricks" to keep themselves on task, to avoid disrupting others, or to organize them. Sometimes a parent who brings a child in for treatment will say the child is like the parent, either when the parent was a child or now.
When ADHD is severe, the person often does not notice he or she is being inappropriate and so is often surprised when they get into trouble. Without treatment, they may fall behind in their schoolwork, have trouble with friendships and relationships with family members. Others may become angry or critical when dealing with an individual who is not in treatment. Those responses put the person's self-esteem is at risk.
Most people decide to seek treatment for the attention deficit or hyperactivity problems if the symptoms interfere with school, work or relationships. A thorough assessment is necessary to rule out any other reasons for the attention difficulties. We know that those who respond best to treatment are those who get a variety of treatments. Treatment usually includes learning some behavioral management techniques plus coping strategies for the patient and those interested in seeing him or her succeed.
The school may be involved in learning some behavioral management techniques. Support is given to the person with the attention problems and to the family. Medication may be useful to help improve attention, reduce the hyperactivity or to treat other emotional problems which may accompany the attention deficit. ADD or ADHD may be a lifelong difficulty, but it often has a good response to treatment. Successful treatment is ongoing and involves the collaboration of the parents or family, the patient, the physician and other professionals involved.
If you think you or someone you love has ADHD, you can discuss treatment options by calling the Stressline at (317) 338-4800.
Disclaimer: This material is intended for the purpose of general education. It is not comprehensive. It will not substitute for the evaluation and intervention of a mental health professional.
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