ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these traits that interferes with daily functioning and development. Symptoms typically begin in childhood, with several signs appearing before the age of 12
- Inattention, six or more of the following: Fails to give attention to details. Difficulty sustaining attention. Does not listen when spoken to. Does not follow through on instructions. Disorganized. Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort. Loses things. Distracted. Forgetful.
- Hyperactive and impulsive, six or more of the following: Fidgets, Leaves seat, Runs or climbs, Unable to engage in quiet activities, “On the go”, Talks excessively, Blurts out information, Difficulty waiting turn, Interrupts others.
ADHD Subtypes:
- ADHD, inattentive type: Inattentive symptoms dominate. Lack of criterion symptoms for hyperactivity or impulsivity
- ADHD, hyperactive type: Hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms dominate. Lack of criterion symptoms for inattention
- ADHD, combined type: Criterion symptoms met for inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impacts daily functioning or development. Individuals with ADHD commonly experience ongoing symptoms that fall into the following categories:
- Inattention means a person may have difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
- Hyperactivity means a person may seem to move about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, hyperactivity may mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.
- Impulsivity means a person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may interrupt others or make important decisions without considering long-term consequences.
Some individuals with ADHD primarily exhibit symptoms of inattention, while others mainly experience hyperactivity and impulsivity. Many people have a mix of both. Although occasional inattention, restlessness, or impulsive behavior is common, in ADHD these patterns are:
- More intense
- More frequent
- Disruptive to daily life
As a result, these symptoms can significantly interfere with social interactions, school performance, or work productivity.
Inattention:
People with symptoms of inattention may often:
- Overlook or miss details and make seemingly careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities
- Have difficulty sustaining attention during play or tasks, such as conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading
- Don’t seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Find it hard to follow through on instructions or finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or may start tasks but lose focus and get easily side-tracked
- Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities, doing tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, managing time, and meeting deadlines
- Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers
- Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones
- Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments
- Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
People who experience hyperactivity and impulsivity as part of ADHD may often:
- Fidget and squirm while seated
- Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office
- Run, dash around, or climb at inappropriate times or, in teens and adults, often feel restless
- Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
- Be constantly in motion or on the go, or act as if driven by a motor
- Talk excessively
- Answer questions before they are fully asked, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in a conversation
- Have difficulty waiting one’s turn
- Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be persistent, long-lasting, and significantly interfere with daily functioning. They must also reflect a developmental delay compared to what is typical for the person’s age. Because conditions such as stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other medical issues can produce similar symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine the true cause.
Most children with ADHD are diagnosed during their early school years. For teens or adults, a diagnosis requires that symptoms were present before age 12.
ADHD can begin as early as ages 3 to 6 and may continue through adolescence and into adulthood. In many cases, symptoms—especially those related to inattention—are overlooked, mistaken for behavioral or emotional challenges, or misunderstood as disciplinary issues. This can delay proper diagnosis.
Adults who were not diagnosed in childhood may show a long history of academic difficulties, workplace challenges, or strained relationships.
ADHD symptoms can evolve as a person grows. In young children, hyperactivity and impulsivity are often the most noticeable signs. As children enter elementary school, inattention may become more evident, often leading to academic challenges. During adolescence, visible hyperactivity may decrease, but restlessness, inattention, and impulsivity frequently persist. Many teens with ADHD also face difficulties with relationships or may engage in antisocial behaviors. For many individuals, inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity continue into adulthood.
If you believe you or your child may have ADHD, contact our healthcare facility today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. Call (240) 504-2871.
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