Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms
The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not physical symptoms such as pain or a runny nose, but exaggerated or unusual behaviors. The type and severity of symptoms vary greatly among people with ADHD. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of abnormality in the brain, the presence of related conditions, and the individual’s environment and response to that environment.
Symptoms of the inattentive form of ADHD include any or all of the following:
- Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through with instructions and does not finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (but this cannot be due to resistance or failure to understand instructions)
- Often has difficulties with organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in homework that requires sustained mental effort
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, school assignments, pencils, books, tools, toys)
- Often is easily distracted by extraneous details
- Often is forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms of the hyperactive-impulsive form of ADHD include any or all of the following:
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which this behavior is inappropriate (adolescents or adults may simply feel restless)
- Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- Often on the go or often acts as if driven by a motor
- Often talks excessively
- Often blurts out answers to questions before questions are completed
- Often has difficulty awaiting turns
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games)
Many children without ADHD demonstrate one or more of these behaviors frequently. The difference between these children and the child with ADHD is that the behaviors are disruptive, are considered inappropriate for the child’s developmental stage, persist for months or years, and occur both at home and at school. A child with ADHD almost never exhibits all of the symptoms, but the symptoms that are present appreciably hinder the child’s social, psychological, and/or educational development.
The behaviors of ADHD can mimic mood disorders (for example, depression), anxiety, or personality disorder. Those conditions must be ruled out or adequately treated before a definitive diagnosis of ADHD can be made.
When to Seek Medical Care
A preschool child may need evaluation for ADHD if he or she continually exhibits any of the following behaviors:
- Constant activity or speech, as if driven by a motor
- Often requires constant close visual surveillance to avoid destructive, dangerous, or risky situations
- Attention not held long by any toy, video, or other attractive activity
- Resists attempts to restrict activity, such as holding hands near a street
- Physically aggressive toward other children or adults
- Regularly exhausts parents and other caregivers
A school-age child may need evaluation for ADHD if he or she exhibits any of the following behaviors:
- Has shorter attention span than peers and needs frequent teacher intervention to keep on task
- Avoids work that requires sustained attention
- Daydreams excessively while supposed to be completing tasks
- Is hyperactive or fidgety
- Disrupts classroom by leaving seat, moving around room, talking inappropriately, and/or engaging others in play
- Provokes daily arguments at home about completing homework and chores
- Has frequent mood swings and/or rage reactions
Other article:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Overview
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Causes
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment
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