The most prevalent symptoms of ADD / ADHD are inattention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. These symptoms are typically seen early in a child’s life, often when he or she enters a school setting. Problematic behaviors may continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Possible Signs of ADHD
Wondering If You Have Adult ADD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM IV) identifies three major symptoms for the diagnosis of ADHD.
Inattention
Individuals who are inattentive have difficulty staying focused and attending to a task. They are easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds, and shift from one activity to another. They may appear forgetful. Organizing and completing tasks are often extremely difficult. Inattentive behaviors are sometimes overlooked because they are often harder to identify and less disruptive than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.
Hyperactivity
Individuals who are hyperactive may appear to be in constant motion, perpetually “on the go.” They have difficulty sitting still and may squirm or fidget. They often feel restless, may talk excessively, and display disruptive behaviors.
Impulsivity
Individuals who are impulsive often “act before thinking.” They may interrupt others, blurt out responses, and have difficulty waiting their turn.
Three types of ADHD are identified:
- ADHD, Combined Type – Individual displays both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
- ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type - Symptoms are primarily related to inattention. Individual does not display significant hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.
- ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Symptoms are primarily related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Individual does not display significant attention problems.
Diagnostic Criteria
Related Conditions
As many as one third of children with ADHD have one or more coexisting conditions. The most common of these are behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, learning and language disabilities. Adults with ADHD show an even higher incidence of additional or accompanying disorders. These adults may also suffer from depression, mood disorders, substance addictions, anxiety, phobias or behavioral problems.
Additional Reading:
Related Conditions
Anxiety Disorders
Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Mood Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Childhood Depression
Tic Disorders
Tourette Syndrome
Learning Differences
Source:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) DSM-IV Washington, D.C. 2000.
