Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD, is a disease that commonly presents in late childhood and early adolescence that interferes with function and has persisted for at least six months. Depending on the type of symptoms that are witnessed by caregivers and educators, ADHD can be further divided into inattentive-type and hyperactivity/impulsivity-type. Several questionnaires have been developed to gauge the number and severity of symptoms for persons suspected of having ADHD and can be useful for screening children particularly before seeking medical attention. These symptoms have to be present in two or more social domains such as home, work and school.
Inattention
People with inattentive-type ADHD exhibit symptoms have difficulty sustaining attention when performing tasks that require concentration. To this end, children and adults often try to avoid tasks that require prolonged periods of attention. Other related symptoms include disorganization, forgetfulness, frequent distraction and misplacement of objects and the appearance of ignoring directions, assignments or commands.
Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive-type ADHD exhibit mannerisms as if they are "driven by a motor." Children and adults have difficulty sitting still and often move around even when told to stay still or in situations where it is not appropriate (e.g., in class, during airplane takeoff). Hyperactivity also occurs with regards to speech in that people often have difficulty performing tasks or playing quietly, and often talk incessantly.
Impulsivity
Impulsive symptoms of ADHD usually correspond with hyperactive symptoms and include interrupting frequently and answering questions or responding to statements before they are completed. Persons who exhibit these symptoms generally have hyperactive symptoms as well.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry;" Thomas Spencer, MD; November 2007
