If your kid just won’t sit still, acts impulsively or is having trouble concentrating, you’ve probably wondered if she could have ADHD. It’s a term that’s thrown around so much that it’s hard not to suspect it when your kid acts up.

There are actually three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. Most children with ADHD have the combined disorder, wherein trained observers record six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity.

While all children have some of these behaviors, ADHD sufferers have them more often and in more severe forms. The diagnosis isn’t given casually -- the symptoms have to be present for six or more months and in greater manifestation than other children of the same age.

So if you think your child has the disorder, talk to the doctor first. Then you can start worrying what to do about it.

The medical community is as yet unsure as to the cause of ADHD. Genetics, environment and prenatal influences may all play a role, but some doctors and nutritionists also believe that food and drink have a substantial impact on the behaviors.

Symptoms of ADHD

There are many different symptoms of ADHD, which sometimes are confused with other conditions.

·         Easily distracted