Children with ADHD exhibit attention problems, hyperactivity and impulsivity, according to "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV-TR). There are three types of ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type and combined type. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a child demonstrate symptoms prior to age 7 with symptoms present in at least two settings such as home and school.
Attention Deficit
Children who are inattentive have difficulty paying attention and often do not pay full attention to details, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They often make careless mistakes because of this. They might not finish school work due to difficulty with organizing tasks and do not like tasks that require sustained mental effort, according to the DSM-IV-TR. These children are easily distracted, lose things easily and are forgetful. They do not seem to listen when spoken to directly, largely because they are not paying attention to the speaker, according to NIMH.
Hyperactivity
Children who are hyperactive have a lot of energy. In classroom settings, they are fidgety, leave the classroom abruptly and without permission, and run and climb in the classroom or other inappropriate places. They are often talkative and always seem to be "on the go," according to NIMH. They often touch and play with anything within their reach, and have difficulty playing quietly.
Impulsivity
Children with impulsive symptoms have difficulties with impulse control and patience. They often have difficulty waiting in line, often interrupt others or blurt out answers to a question before the question has been completed. These children appear to have difficulty controlling themselves in social situations as well.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision" American Psychiatric Association, 2000
- National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD
