ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is a Disruptive Behavior Disorder characterized by on-going inattention
and or hyperactivity-impulsivity occurring in several settings and more frequently and severely than is typical for individuals in the same stage of development. Symptoms begin before age 7 years and can cause serious difficulties in home, school or work life. ADHD can be managed through behavioral or medical interventions, or a combination of the two.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD called also minimal brain
dysfunction) is one of the most common childhood behavioral disorders and can
persist through adolescence and into adulthood. The causes are currently
unknown.
Symptoms of ADHD fall into two broad categories:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior
Children are said to have ADHD if they show six or more symptoms from each
category for at least six months. These symptoms must significantly affect a
child's ability to function in at least two areas of life, typically at home and
at school.
Inattention
- Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- Is often easily distracted.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
- Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Symptoms of Adults ADHD/ADD
ADHD always begins in childhood, but it may persist into adult life. The core
symptoms of distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are the same
for adults as for children, but they often manifest differently and far more
subtly in adults. Hyperactivity, in particular, is generally less overt in
adults. Children may race around madly; adults are more likely to be restless
and to have trouble relaxing.
Impulsive behavior of some adults with ADHD can be even more problematic. The
inability to control impulses, which some experts say may be the defining
characteristic of ADHD, can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in
heavy traffic to mood swings, intense outbursts of anger and troubled
relationships.
The Utah criteria is one set of guidelines used to diagnose adult ADHD and
lists the following as characteristic of adults with the disorder:
- A childhood history of ADHD
- Mood swings
- Hot temper
- Hyperactivity and poor concentration
- Inability to complete tasks
- Inability to deal with stress
- Impulsivity
If your child has trouble concentrating, sitting still or
controlling his or her behavior, and these problems are creating significant
difficulties at home and at school, see your pediatrician or family physician.
ADHD Symptoms to A
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