![Understanding ADHD](/AM/Images/Understading/UnderstandingADHD.jpg)
What are the symptoms of AD/HD?
AD/HD symptoms usually arise in early childhood. Current diagnostic
criteria indicate that the disorder is marked by behaviors that are long
lasting and evident for at least six months, with onset before age
seven. There are three primary subtypes, each associated with different
symptoms.
AD/HD - Primarily Inattentive Type:
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention.
• Does not appear to listen.
• Struggles to follow through on
instructions.
• Has difficulty with organization.
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained
mental effort.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.
AD/HD - Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:
• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Runs around or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty engaging in activities
quietly.
• Acts as if driven by a motor.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been
completed.
• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
AD/HD - Combined Type:
• Meets both inattentive and
hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
Because everyone shows signs of these behaviors at one time or
another, the guidelines for determining whether a person has AD/HD are
very specific. In children, the symptoms must be more frequent or severe
than in other children of the same age. In adults, the symptoms must be
present since childhood and affect one’s ability to function in
daily life. These behaviors must create significant difficulty in at
least two areas of life, such as home, social settings, school, or
work.
Read more about the disorder at CHADD’s National Resource Center on
AD/HD.
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