Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Ashlei McFarlane. - Contributed.

Ever wonder why your child never seems focused? He or she might have attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). More and more cases of ADHD are being diagnosed in Jamaica.

The essential features of ADHD are the persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours.

ADHD is said to be genetic and affects mostly children. Clinical psychologist Ashlie McFarlane says that if a child has six or more of the following symptoms for more than six months, then he or she is diagnosed to have the disorder. The symptoms include:

Failing to pay attention to details.

Short attention span. does not seem to listen when spoken to.

Fails to complete tasks.

Is reluctant to engage in task. that take a long period of time

Loses things.

Is easily distracted.

Is very forgetful.

She stated that the symptoms for hyperactivity are fidgeting with hands; getting up to leave when being seated is expected; running around or climbing when it is inappropriate; not able to play quietly; always on the go; talks excessively; blurts out answers before questions are completed; has, difficulty waiting his or her turn, and, intrudes on other's conversations. "These symptoms are usually present before the child is seven years old," said McFarlane.

There is no cure but the condition can be treated through medication and therapy. " Three to five per cent of children under seven years old show signs of ADHD and are usually diagnosed by age seven. The earlier it is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is.

Jameswas diagnosed with ADHD when he was seven years old. However, he started showing signs of the disorder when he was five years old. "He was not obedient, when I talked to him he did not respond and I thought he was being rude," said MarthaJames' mother.

Martha told Flair that he was a child that did not give trouble every day but when he got into trouble, it was serious.