According to the Mayo Clinic, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects millions of adults and children. While it was once thought that only children could receive an ADHD diagnosis, it is now understood that the symptoms may continue into adulthood. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that displays of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness are normal parts of childhood. For those with ADHD, these problems occur on a regular basis and cause significant problems at work, school and in relationships.
Inattention
Profound problems with attention manifest in a number of different ways. Maintaining attention on mentally taxing, complicated or boring tasks becomes difficult. The inattention leads to making careless mistakes and missing details. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the individual with ADHD may work to avoid engaging in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
The individual with ADHD displays difficulties listening and may appear as if he is ignoring someone who is speaking to him. Maintaining organization in work or school projects poses problems. Objects, such as books, keys, toys and tools, often become lost. Not only does the individual with ADHD forget where objects got to, but she also forgets many other things, such as work, chores, or homework.
Hyperactivity
The individual with ADHD seems in constant motion. Remaining in a chair at work, school or the dinner table for sustained periods of time appears difficult. Children may climb over furniture and break out into a run at inappropriate times. When the individual does try to remain still, he will fidget or squirm about constantly.
Besides displaying constant activity, the individual with ADHD may always seem loud, talking nonstop and remaining noisy in play or other activities. Asking the individual to quiet down is ineffective. The Mayo Clinic indicates that boys tend to have more problems with hyperactivity than girls.
Impulsivity
The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," published by the American Psychiatric Association, indicates a third category of ADHD symptoms. The individual with ADHD displays an all-around impulsiveness, demonstrating problems with waiting turns in line, interrupting other people's conversations and blurting out answers before the questions have been completed.
Overall, the individual with ADHD appears impatient in many different situations. He may budge into the play or activity of other individuals without invitation. With a tendency to cause significant social problems, the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that the individual with ADHD may "blurt out inappropriate comments, show emotions without restraint and act without regard for consequences."
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- National Institute of Mental Health: What are the Symptoms of ADHD in Children
