神奈川県厚木市 心療内科・精神科・児童精神科・メンタルクリニック

ADHDは注意メインだと小さい時に見つけにくい

こんにちは、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科専門クリニック、きもとメンタルクリニックです。

今回は、ADHDは注意メインだと小さい時に見つけにくい、について解説します。

ADHDは多動や衝動性の方が症状としては目立ちますが、ない場合も結構あります。

そして何よりもADHDの中核症状は不注意であり、これは絶対になければ診断ができません。

不注意は大人になると、平行作業、同時作業ができないと仕事で問題になることが多いので、見つかることもありますが、子どもの時は不注意があってもあまり見つけてもらえることはありません。

程度が重ければ、小学校に入った時に忘れ物、時間管理、授業への集中力、あたりで気が付かれることもありますが、程度が軽ければ本人の努力でなんとかなってしまうこともあれば、単純に本人の努力不足だと決めつけられて怒られ続けるというパターンもあります。


この怒られ続けるパターンに陥るとかなり大変で、本人は努力しているが目的が達成されないので、自己評価はかなり低くなってしまっていることがあります。

自信を失えば、自我機能は低下し、それはほかの能力にも影響します。

自己評価のかなり低いまま大人になってしまうと、対人関係でもうまく落としどころをみつけれず、我慢しがちになってしまうかもしれません。

また自我機能が低下しすぎれば、うつや、自我機能障害がでてしまうこともあります。

ですので、ちょっとでも気になることがあれば、早いタイミングで児童精神科へつれていってあげると、診断がつくものなのか、つかないとしてもその程度はどのくらいか、が分かれば、必要な時に治療の手を入れてることができます。

失った自信を取り戻し、自我機能を回復させるのには時間がかかります。

そうなる前にご相談ください。


Today, I’ll explain why ADHD with inattention as the primary symptom can be harder to detect in young children.

Inattention in ADHD: The Core Symptom That Often Goes Unnoticed
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are the more noticeable symptoms of ADHD, many children do not exhibit these traits prominently. In fact, inattention is the core symptom of ADHD, and its presence is essential for diagnosis.

1. Why Inattention Often Goes Undetected in Childhood
Milder Symptoms in Early Childhood:
Children with predominantly inattentive ADHD may not stand out in group settings. Unlike hyperactive behaviors, their difficulties—such as daydreaming or not paying attention—can be overlooked.

Manifestation in School:
Inattention often becomes apparent in elementary school when children face structured environments with higher expectations for time management, focus, and organization.

Signs like forgetfulness, poor time management, and difficulty concentrating during class may raise concerns, but only if they significantly affect performance.
Effort Can Mask the Symptoms:
Children with mild inattention symptoms might manage to meet expectations through extra effort. However, this often leads to them being misunderstood as simply "not trying hard enough" when they struggle.

The Consequences of Undiagnosed Inattentive ADHD
1. Chronic Misunderstanding and Low Self-Esteem
When undiagnosed, children with inattentive ADHD are often labeled as lazy or careless.

Repeated Criticism: Constant reprimands can erode self-confidence, making children believe they are inherently incapable.
2. Decline in Self-Regulatory Abilities
Low self-esteem impacts overall executive function, making it harder for children to manage tasks, plan, and regulate emotions effectively.

Long-Term Effects: Without intervention, these difficulties can persist into adulthood, affecting work performance and personal relationships.
3. Risk of Secondary Mental Health Issues
Prolonged struggles with self-esteem and self-regulation can lead to:

Depression: Feelings of inadequacy and failure may contribute to depressive symptoms.
Self-Function Impairments: Severe cases may result in broader issues with identity and decision-making.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Timely Evaluation:
If concerns about attention or behavior arise, consulting a child psychiatrist early can help determine whether ADHD is present.

Accurate Assessment:
Even if the child does not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, understanding the severity of their challenges can guide parents and educators in providing appropriate support.

Supporting Children with Inattentive ADHD
1. Restoring Confidence Takes Time
Rebuilding a child’s self-esteem and improving self-regulation abilities can be a lengthy process.

2. Early Support Matters
With early diagnosis and intervention, strategies can be implemented to address difficulties before they escalate into more significant problems.

Conclusion
ADHD with inattention as the primary symptom is often harder to detect in young children because it does not manifest as obviously as hyperactivity or impulsivity. However, early identification is crucial for preventing the long-term consequences of low self-esteem and related difficulties.

If you suspect your child may have ADHD or are concerned about their attention and behavior, consult a child psychiatrist early.

At Wako Clinic, we are here to help assess and address your child’s needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.