Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition commonly diagnosed in childhood where a child has limited ability to sustain attention and/or control hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," 4th edition, text revision, diagnosis requires that the child demonstrate six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity within the previous six months, which significantly interferes with their functioning. The presence of symptoms before age seven and in two or more settings is also required. Based on the presenting symptoms of the child, he will be classified as either predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined type. (See Reference 1)
Inattention
Children with inattentive symptoms often demonstrate several of the following symptoms:
1. A child may demonstrate a lack of attention to detail or careless mistakes in his work.
2. He may have difficulty keeping his attention on a task.
3. These children may demonstrate an inability to follow through on tasks when given instructions, often jumping from task to task without ever completing one.
4. A child may appear forgetful, often forgetting to bring home his schoolwork or take his lunch to school.
5. Children with inattentive symptoms may not listen when others speak to them.
6. They may have difficulty organizing themselves when given a task or activity.
7. These children may often lose items such as schoolwork, pencils and toys.
8. A child may be easily distracted from his work or play by outside noises or activities. For example, a child sitting near a window may be easily distracted from their schoolwork when a car drives by.
9. These children tend to avoid activities that require concentration and focused effort. Schoolwork or other difficult tasks at home may be avoided or disliked because of the level of concentration required.
(See References 1 & 2)
Hyperactivity
Children who experience symptoms of hyperactivity may often do the following:
1. Fidgeting with their body or wriggling in their seat is often seen in children with ADHD. Their bodies may appear restless and struggling to stay still.
2. When expected to be sitting, these children may abruptly leave their seats at inappropriate times (e.g., in the middle of class when the teacher is talking).
3. A child may experience difficulty playing quietly during free activities.
4. They may talk constantly, seeming to never need a break.
5. These children may jump, run, or climb when they are not supposed to.
6. A child may seem to be constantly moving or doing things, as though filled with endless energy.
(See References 1 & 2)
Impulsivity
Children who demonstrate symptoms of impulsivity seem to act before they think. This may manifest itself through the following symptoms:
1. These children may respond to a question before it has been asked or blurt out answers before being called on.
2. They may interrupt others when they are speaking or jump into other children's games or activities without asking.
3. A child with impulsivity may also struggle to wait their turn, appearing impatient and restless.
(See References 1 & 2)
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
