Most often, a diagnosis of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is made in childhood, although some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. According to Child Development and ADHD Child, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by consistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. In a child with ADHD, patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are more frequent and severe than is typical for a child of similar age and level of development. Because adults with ADHD are often able to maintain steady jobs and handle personal relationships, they may go undiagnosed. According to Health, the key to diagnosing an adult with ADHD is whether the adult exhibited childhood behaviors of ADHD before the age of seven. If you believe you or your child demonstrates some of the symptoms of ADHD, you should notify your doctor or pediatrician.
Inattention
Child Development and ADHD Child lists several behaviors characteristic of inattention, which may indicate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Your child may not give close attention to detail when doing homework or working on a project. Children with ADHD often make careless mistakes on schoolwork. Your child may not seem to listen when spoken to directly, and often will be easily distracted by external stimuli. Children with ADHD are often forgetful when it comes to performing daily activities.
Hyperactivity
Characteristic hyperactive behaviors that may indicate ADHD include fidgeting with hands and feet, or squirming in a seat, according to ADHD Child. Child Development reports that children with ADHD often leave their seats in a classroom or at home when they should remain seated. Children with ADHD often run and/or climb excessively in inappropriate situations, and may also talk excessively.
Impulsivity
Child Development reports characteristic behaviors of impulsivity include blurting out answers before questions have been completed. Children may have difficulty waiting their turns. Children with ADHD often interrupt or intrude upon others who may be speaking.
Considerations for the Adult with ADHD
Adults with ADHD present with the same characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as children do, but the characteristics just manifest a little differently. Health.com reports that adults with ADHD exhibit several symptoms: They may perform inconsistently on the job, and may be forgetful and lose or misplace things. Adults with ADHD may quit their jobs out of boredom or restlessness. They may have problems controlling their tempers and be quick to anger, or become easily frustrated. Because adults with ADHD are impulsive, they may engage in risky behavior without thinking through the consequences of their actions. Relationships may be more challenging because adults with ADHD may have more trouble expressing their feelings or relating to the feelings of another.
