Symptoms and Signs of Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome, or cluster of symptoms, possibly caused by a structural defect in the brain. Children with attention deficit disorder display several signs; these include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder – Inattention

Most children don’t have long attention spans – that’s normal. A child with attention deficit disorder, however, will display a short attention span even when compared to peers of the same age. For instance, many young children being read to will grow restless and inattentive if the story lasts for more than half an hour; however, the child with attention deficit disorder will probably become inattentive after only five or ten minutes.

Other signs of inattention in attention deficit disorder include being easily distracted, moving rapidly from one activity to another without completing any of them, failing to listen to or follow directions in class and at home, making more careless mistakes than one would expect from a child of that age, and consistently forgetting necessary items or supplies (e.g., forgetting to bring lunch to school, forgetting to bring home a permission slip for a field trip, etc.).

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder – Hyperactivity

Again, it is not uncommon for young children to have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. The child with attention deficit disorder shows extreme restlessness when compared to peers of the same age. Signs of hyperactivity in attention deficit disorder may include being restless or fidgety, constantly moving hands and feet even when sitting down, having trouble staying in an assigned seat, getting up and moving around inappropriately, being constantly on the go, etc.

Sign of Attention Deficit Disorder – Impulsivity

Impulsivity may manifest itself in many ways. Again, since most children are impulsive to a certain extent, this symptom is measured against what is normal for a child of the age in question. The afflicted child may have trouble waiting his or her turn in games, or may shout out the answers in class before called upon. The child may also have trouble reading social cues and may try to force him or herself into the middle of conversations or games where he or she is not wanted.

Although there is no permanent cure for attention deficit disorder, several treatments have proven effective. If you suspect your child suffers from attention deficit disorder, ask the school for a referral to a professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in diagnosing and treating childhood disorders.

Health First Aid and the Benefits.

What we normally would consider to be; first-aid, is the initial help we receive when we are, obviously unhealthy. What we are doing here is trying to show that Health First Aid starts long before you ever get hurt or are thinking you need first aid. If we take any mistake that happens we can see the result of the problem on our physical health and we then tend to that symptoms; a cut, small scratch, or even something broken. The actual cause of the mishap when investigated will ultimately turn up the reason for the occurrence This reason is part of what we cover here at Health First Aid.

Diets, overeating, and mishaps of all types are seen everyday and you may have experienced this yourself, when feeling tired or generally not of good spirits you can quite often find yourself involved in an upheaval or a mishap. The reason for the depression or upsets have a way of placing our attention somewhere else rather than on the task we are performing at that moment which can in turn place our health at risk. This lack of attention is the real cause of most if not all mishaps. Thus we need plenty of health first aid.

First Aid Can Save Lives

Administering first aid to a victim who is injured or ill can be the first step to saving that person’s life. It is important for everyone to have some basic first aid knowledge, since you never know when you might need to use it. The initial minutes after an injury or accident are often the most crucial. Since it can take some time for emergency services to reach a victim, those on the scene first can begin treatment while waiting for the professionals to arrive. Whether there is a need for CPR, shock treatment or immobilization of a potentially broken limb, the help that you can offer in the minutes directly following an accident can have a huge impact on a victim’s recovery.

First Aid Means Being Prepared

It is wise to always be prepared. First aid courses can train you to handle many emergencies that you could possible encounter. A first aid manual can be an invaluable resource when you are faced with a stressful situation and need some additional guidance. And first aid kits kept in your home and car can provide the tools and medications necessary for treating many injuries and illnesses on the spot. It doesn’t take that much time and money to prepare yourself for the bad situations that can arise, and once you have done your homework you can rest in the assurance that you will be able to handle any emergency that might come your way.

A first aid kit can be purchased as a complete set, or you can assemble one yourself with a waterproof box and a few essentials. A selection of bandages, antibiotic ointments and antiseptic towelettes can be used for most cuts and abrasions. Pain relievers, hot/cold compresses and roller bandages can be used for injuries to joints and muscle pain.

Thermometers, tweezers and first aid scissors are handy tools for a multitude of purposes. And for those weak stomachs, antidiarrheals, antacids and motion sickness medications are a must. Latex gloves, towels and ice packs are also good items to keep in stock, as are first aid remedies for outdoor ailments such as insect stings and sunburn. Keep a first aid kit wherever your family tends to spend a significant amount of time: at home, in the car and with your camping supplies. You can even purchase the most compact first aid kit to keep with your bicycle or in your briefcase.

While you may never need to use the first aid training you receive or the first aid supplies that you pack, the knowledge that you are prepared should an emergency arise can give you tremendous piece of mind – and might even help you save a life.