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What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Inattention Symptoms
Inattention symptoms involve a persistent inability to sustain focus, follow through on tasks, and organize activities. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
- Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often seems not to listen when spoken to directly.
- Fails to follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- Avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
- Frequently loses items necessary for tasks and activities.
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Forgetfulness in daily activities.
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Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms
Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms involve excessive movement, fidgeting, and difficulty with self-control. Symptoms may include:
- Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
- Unable to play or engage in activities quietly.
- Often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor.”
- Talks excessively.
- Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
- Has difficulty waiting their turn.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations or games.
Diagnosis Criteria
For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must:
- Be present for at least six months.
- Be inappropriate for the patient’s developmental level.
- Appear before the age of 12.
- Cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- Be observed in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work).
Diagnosis Criteria
For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must:
- Be present for at least six months.
- Be inappropriate for the patient’s developmental level.
- Appear before the age of 12.
- Cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- Be observed in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work).
Subtypes of ADHD
ADHD can be categorized into three subtypes based on the predominant symptom presentation:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: When the majority of symptoms are related to inattention.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: When the majority of symptoms are related to hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation: When there is a significant number of symptoms in both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
