Introduction & Definition

In the Philippines, especially in the rural areas, we often label a hyperactive and/or impulsive child as “makulit” and an inattentive child as “mahina ang ulo.” If the behavior is more severe than most of the individual’s peer, we label him/her as “sobrang kulit” or “sobrang hina ng ulo.” Most parents think that these characteristics are but normal to children and do not need the attention of physicians and therapists. These children go on with their lives without any treatment and therapy and most of the time become liabilities at home, in school, and in the community.
One of the reasons why annoying pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children is being taken for granted is because most people are short of awareness that these behaviors are the basic characteristics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other reasons include financial difficulties of families and inaccessibility of hospitals.
In the following sections, we will learn what ADHD is, what are its possible causes, how to recognize if a child has ADHD, what are the characteristics of individuals with the disorder, what are the treatments and management applicable to a child with ADHD, and where to find professional help when problems arise.




What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is the most common child psychiatric condition that is manifested by an importunate pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/ impulsivity. These patterns are evidently and comparably more frequent and severe than is observed in individuals at the same developmental level. ADHD becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years, and can persist into adulthood as well.