Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder before the question What is it? has been finished. Break large tasks into smaller ones. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Use clear, concise (ADHD) and Attention The patient may find it language for Deficit Disorder (ADD) can difficult to wait in line. instructions. be categorised by The patient may talk a behavioural symptoms that deal, even if it is include difficulty Useful resources inappropriate. concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The patient may not NHS choices understand social Individuals with ADHD/ADD boundaries. often have a short attention National Institute for Health span, are restless or and Care Excellence constantly fidgeting and are Potential difficulties easily distracted. An Poor organisation could individual with ADHD/ADD mean an appointment is Great Ormond Street may have learning forgotten once or several Hospital for Children NHS difficulties or other times. Foundation Trust disorders alongside their Patients with ADHD/ADD condition. They may also may find long procedures have some or many of the difficult to complete. They following symptoms that may find it difficult to follow may impact on their a series of instructions as treatment: they may lose The patient may not concentration. appear to listen to Individuals may be instructions. distracted by the equipment being used and The patient does not may want to look at it or follow instructions or know how it works. complete tasks. The patient may be In practice…. disorganised and loses things. Maintain eye contact The patient can be when giving easily distracted and instructions. forgetful. The patient may Repeat important answer questions instructions.
Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder What is it? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can be categorised by behavioural symptoms that include difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Individuals with ADHD/ADD often have a short attention span, are restless or constantly fidgeting and are easily distracted. An individual with ADHD/ADD may have learning difficulties or other disorders alongside their condition. They may also have some or many of the following symptoms that may impact on their treatment: The patient may not appear to listen to instructions. The patient does not follow instructions or complete tasks. The patient may be disorganised and loses things. The patient can be easily distracted and forgetful. The patient may answer questions before the question has been finished. The patient may find it difficult to wait in line. The patient may talk a deal, even if it is inappropriate. The patient may not understand social boundaries. Potential difficulties Poor organisation could mean an appointment is forgotten once or several times. Patients with ADHD/ADD may find long procedures difficult to complete. They may find it difficult to follow a series of instructions as they may lose concentration. Individuals may be distracted by the equipment being used and may want to look at it or know how it works. In practice…. Maintain eye contact when giving instructions. Repeat important instructions. Break large tasks into smaller ones. Use clear, concise language for instructions. Useful resources NHS choices National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
2014.02.18_adhd_fact_sheet.docx