According to the DSM-IV-TR (2000), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 7% of school-age children. Statistics for the number of adults who suffer from this disorder have not yet been fully established, as ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood. ADHD diagnoses are divided into primarily inattentive type, primarily hyperactive type and combined type. Primarily inattentive type was previously called ADD (attention deficit disorder).
ADHD: Primarily Inattentive Type
Symptoms of primarily inattentive type ADHD include inattention to detail, careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities, forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining attention on tasks that require sustained mental effort, and difficulty finishing activities.
In addition, individuals may not appear to be paying attention when spoken to, have difficulty remembering and/ or following multi-step directions, and have difficulty with organization and planning. A diagnosis of this type of ADHD requires at least six symptoms present for at least six months in two separate environments (for example in school and at home). Symptoms must also be more severe than what is developmentally appropriate and must cause clear impairment in functioning.
ADHD: Primarily Hyperactive Type
Primarily hyperactive type ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This includes habits like fidgeting and squirming, inability to sit or stay in one place for long, climbing or running around when it is not appropriate to do so, difficulty playing quietly, and talking excessively. Sometimes individuals with this disorder are described as acting like they are "driven by a motor." They may also blurt out answers, interrupt others in conversation, and may have difficulty waiting their turn. Again, there must be at least six symptoms present for six months or more in two separate environments to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD: Combined Type
The combined type refers to individuals who meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive type ADHD. This means at least 12 symptoms are present (six symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness) for six months or more. The symptoms must be maladaptive with regard to normal development and must cause impairment in functioning.
References
- American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
