People with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have more relationship problems and accidental injuries because of the behaviors associated with ADHD. Problematic behaviors or symptoms associated with ADHD must have first occurred before age 7 and be separate from any other physical or mental illness or disorder for at least six months to meet criteria for a credible and accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
Hyperactive Behaviors
Someone with ADHD is often hyperactive or can't seem to sit still or focus his behaviors toward any one goal or activity. In addition to inattention symptoms, hyperactive behaviors are often the most detrimental to work or school performance and relationships. Examples of the type of hyperactive behaviors associated with ADHD are frequent fidgeting, leaving a seat in class or at work when it's inappropriate, running or climbing behavior that is inappropriate to the situation or circumstances, trouble playing quietly, seeming always to be in motion and/or talking excessively. At least six of these behaviors must be present to meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
Inattention Behaviors
Oftentimes the most frustrating to the person with ADHD and those around him are inattention behaviors or symptoms. Frequent forgetting, distractibility, disorganization and avoiding work that requires sustained mental focus are all examples of behaviors that may be present for a person with ADHD. Similar to hyperactive behaviors, and without intention, inattention behaviors can cause problems for the person with ADHD and in her relationships. There are five other descriptions of inattention behaviors: misplacing things needed for activities or tasks, not following through with schoolwork or chores, not listening, trouble sustaining attention in play or schoolwork and making careless mistakes because of inattention to details. At least six of these behaviors must be present to meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
Impulsive Behaviors
Impulsive behaviors can lead someone with ADHD to feel isolated when friends, family and colleagues or schoolmates cannot understand the basis for the seemingly odd or out-of-control choices and behaviors. Impulsive behaviors can also be the most physically dangerous or financially damaging to the person with ADHD if the impulsivity is manifested through physical or financial risk-taking in which the consequences have not been taken into consideration or properly guarded against. This part of the ADHD behavior checklist also includes more subtle behaviors, such as frequently interrupting discussions or others' activities or having trouble waiting in line or for a turn.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control: ADHD Statistics
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.)"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
