Symptoms of ADHD
October 15th, 2006Symptoms of ADHD, divided into two categories:
Inattention:
Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities
Trouble keeping attention focused during play or tasks
Appearing not to listen when spoken to
Failing to follow instructions or finish tasks
Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects
Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies
Excessive distractibility
Forgetfulness
Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior
Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat
Leaving seat often, even when inappropriate
Running or climbing at inappropriate times
Difficulty in quiet play
Frequently feeling restless
Excessive speech
Mood swings
Answering a question before the speaker has finished
Failing to await one’s turn
Interrupting the activities of others at inappropriate times
A diagnosis is made it usually only if the patient has experienced six of the above symptoms for at least three months. Symptoms must appear consistently in varied environments (e.g., not only at home or only at school) and interfere with function.
Children who grow up with ADHD often continue to have symptoms as they grow into adulthood. Adults face some of their greatest challenges in the areas of self-control and self-motivation, as well as executive functioning (also known as working memory). If the patient is not treated appropriately, co-morbid conditions, such as depression, anxiety and self-medicating substance abuse may present as well. If a patient presents with such conditions as well, the co-morbid condition may be treated first, or simultaneously.
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