Is a child's lack of attention a sign of "ADHD"?
Disease description:
My son is inattentive and very hyperactive during class at school. I'm worried he might have ADHD. May I ask, is a child's inattention a sign of ADHD?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Children's lack of attention is not necessarily "ADHD." The causes of children's inattention can be diverse, including but not limited to external distractions, learning disabilities, sleep problems, nutritional issues, emotional problems, personality traits, and family background.
ADHD is a common psychological disorder in children. Its main symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior that are inconsistent with the child's actual age and that affect the child's academic performance and daily life. However, simple inattention alone cannot be directly diagnosed as ADHD; further evaluation of other symptoms and behaviors is required.
Therefore, when parents notice their child's lack of attention, they should not immediately attribute it to ADHD. Instead, they should carefully observe the child's other behaviors and promptly consult a doctor for assessment and diagnosis. Additionally, parents can help improve their child's attention by enhancing the learning environment, increasing learning interest, ensuring adequate sleep and nutrition, and similar approaches.
