ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a neurobehavioral disorder generally first diagnosed in childhood, often lasts into adolescence and adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 3 to 7 percent of school-age children suffer from ADHD, with some studies reporting higher rates. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and treatment generally includes psychotherapy, medication and behavior management. There is no single test available to diagnose ADHD, and many other mental health issues have similar, overlapping symptoms.
Impulsivity
Impulsive actions, common to many individuals with ADHD, affect all aspects of life, including work, family and school. For children, impulsivity means skipping from one incomplete project or activity to another, explains ADHDChildParenting.com. Impulsivity might include finishing people's sentences, interrupting others, moving or running at inappropriate times, getting up when sitting is required or grabbing things from others. According to the CDC, impulsive individuals may suffer more injuries and accidents than people without ADHD.
Inattention
ADHD often causes issues of inattention. ADHDChildParenting.com explains that talking to an inattentive ADHD child feels like talking to a wall due to the lack of response. Symptoms of inattention include lack of attention to details, careless mistakes, forgetful about daily activities, not following directions, and being easily distracted by noise and activity. The CDC describes inattentive individuals as people who struggle to organize or finish a task or follow a conversation. People with inattentive symptoms often forget details of regular, daily routines.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is common to many individuals with ADHD. Hyperactive symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting when taking turns is required, difficulty relaxing, interfering in other people's conversations and activities, and struggling to participate in quiet activities. Vanderbilt University includes blurting out answers before questions are completely asked as an example of hyperactivity. The CDC suggests that individuals who have trouble sitting for extended periods--for example, to do homework or watch a movie--suffer from symptoms of hyperactivity.
