The Peruvian Ministry of Health urges parents to seek timely medical evaluation for children displaying signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity or distractibility, to ensure early diagnosis and access to specialist care.
Parents should seek a medical assessment if a child is persistently restless, impulsive or easily distracted, the Peruvian Ministry of Health has said, warning that these behaviours can point to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to the ministry, early evaluation at the nearest health centre can help rule out the condition and guide families towards specialist care if needed.
Gonzalo Riveros Tejada, a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Child Health in San Borja, said the main warning signs include excessive movement, difficulty staying still, interrupting others and losing focus on everyday tasks. He noted that symptoms often become clearer once children start school, usually around the age of six or seven, when teachers and parents can better compare behaviour with that of other children.
The ministry said ADHD tends to appear in different ways. In some children, hyperactivity and impulsivity are more obvious; in others, inattention is the dominant feature. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disorder can present as inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both, and its signs may shift over time. It also describes ADHD as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health likewise say the condition can affect school performance, friendships and self-esteem if it is not recognised and managed.
Riveros said a diagnosis is clinical, beginning with interviews with parents, followed by information from the school and direct observation of the child. He added that routine tests are usually not needed unless there is a neurological history, although psychological assessments can support the process. The ministry said the approaching school holidays are a good time for families to arrange a specialist review.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
