Children with ADHD often seem to be "constantly on the move": There's more to it than just rebellion

Restlessness, distraction, impulsivity, children with ADHD often seem to be "constantly on the move", but behind that lies much more than just rebellion. ADHD is an attention disorder that affects everyday life, school and family relationships, and symptoms can appear in early childhood, explained Dr. Jelena Kovačević, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, for Boje jutra on Vijesti TV.

"ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early childhood and accompanies a person through all spheres of life. It presents itself through inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, and in some children, motor hyperactivity is particularly striking," says Kovačević.

In teenagers, ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for rebellion, as they cannot follow school rules or social norms.

"The difference between rebellion and ADHD is that ADHD is triggered in all environments—at home, at school, at hobbies—whereas rebellion is usually situational," she adds.

Screens and fast-paced cartoons further shorten attention spans and increase impulsivity, but they do not cause the disorder itself. The brains of people with ADHD naturally crave quick rewards, making it difficult to focus on everyday tasks. Yet many manage to achieve high scores, especially in areas that interest them.

"Someone in the ADHD community called it 'a disorder of pain, power, and paradox.' Children and adults with ADHD can have superpowers, hyperfocus, and extraordinary creativity – but at the same time forget basic things like paying bills or organizing their time. The paradox is that they can be successful in very demanding jobs at the same time," Kovačević points out.

Early recognition and psychoeducation of the family and school are key to supporting the child.

"Parents need to understand how their child functions and seek professional advice when they cannot explain the behavior or change it," the doctor concludes.

Globally, around seven percent of children have ADHD, which shows how important adequate understanding and support is.