ADD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder (this can also be known as ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder]). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder which affects millions of children and can continue into adulthood. This disorder has problems associated with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior which can affect every aspect of life. Children with ADHD often struggle with low self esteem, poor performance at school or troubled personal relations. Just like adults, children of our day have to cope with many things in their life, different subjects, friends, rejection, growing up and so on. It is therefore very important to observe our children and watch for any signs that they are maybe having trouble coping. According to recent studies, as many as one in five children have a mental health disorder and one in ten have a serious mental health problem.

However, before you conclude that your child has ADHD, here are some signs to watch out for:

a. Does your child often fail to give close attention to details

b. Does your child make careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

c. Does your child often have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

d. Does your child often seem not to listen when spoken to directly

e. Does your child often have difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork or chores because he/she could not follow step-by-step instructions

f. Does your child often have difficulty organizing tasks and activities

g. Does your child often avoid, dislike engaging in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)

h. Does your child often lose tools needed to complete tasks or activities e.g., school assignments notebooks, pencils, books etc)

i. Is your child often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

You need to make note of some of these emotional concerns over a period of time - 6 months is about the norm. You should know that many children are misdiagnosed for attention deficit disorder every year. You should consult with your doctor and discuss any medical problem your child may be facing to help in the diagnosis. You should note that there are other medical problems that may have some of the symptoms listed above. They include

• Anemia. Low hemoglobin can cause fatigue, irritability, and mood swings.

• Effects of other drugs can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.

• Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar. Sometimes the symptoms of fatigue, lethargy and poor concentration are even more pronounced when the blood sugar is low. Unfortunately, this often goes undiagnosed in children, because they will bounce back fast and lead parents to believe that the child is just being lazy.

• Effects of certain foods. Some children get hyper when they eat a lot of sugar, others are affected by too much caffeine. Each and every child has a different metabolism.

• Lack of sleep, anxiety hormone changes and so on.

If your child is exhibiting some of these behavioral traits, it is time to seek help before the situation gets out of control. There are many treatment options for mental health disorders in children. You can seek individual, group and family therapy, natural remedies and play therapy.