Attention Deficit and Problem Behaviours

Attention deficit disorder is characterised by a majority of the following symptoms being present: failure to pay close attention to details, appearance of not listening, non-completion of chores, inability to organise tasks, dislike or avoidance of tasks involving sustained mental effort, forgetful, easily distracted, restlessness and excessive talking. Among the tests assessing attention deficit are the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) that measures the presence and severity of an individual’s symptoms.

Problem behaviour can manifest as crime, substance misuse, and antisocial activities as a result of underlying adjustment issues or clinical conditions such as ADHD. To measure problem behaviour, tests such as the Eyberg child Behaviour Inventory and Sutter-Eyberg Student Behaviour Inventory-Revised (ECBI SESBI-R) assess the frequency and severity of disruptive behaviours to distinguish normal behaviour problems from conduct-disordered behaviour in children and adolescents.