Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Although there is a lot of research indicating that ADHD is a neurological disorder, diagnosis still falls in the purview of Psychology. The following is a practical summary of the DSM-IV criteria for Attention Deficit Disorder. You can find the actual criteria for "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" in the DSM-IV-TR manual. For a look at the criteria, click here.

Symptoms of INATTENTION in ADD ADHD

• A lot of people, including parents, complain that s/he just doesn't seem to listen when spoken to
• Because of not sustaining attention, or because of acting like a "space cadet," s/he doesn't finish chores or homework
• S/he can't keep his/her mind on what s/he's doing for very long unless it is very exciting, or very entertaining
• S/he doesn't pay close attention to what s/he's doing, so s/he makes a lot of careless mistakes. Video games are an exception because they give immediate feedback, they are exciting, and they are fun. Chores and homework are not. The inattention is seen most with homework, chores, and other boring things that you want him/her to do
• S/he's really disorganized. Most commonly seen in spending three hours to finally finish his/her homework, then losing it at school (it’s in the backpack), or forgetting to turn it in
• S/he really tries to avoid doing homework or chores
• S/he gets distracted easily, or pays attention to the wrong thing
• S/he is often forgetful and has to be reminded to do things often

Symptoms of IMPULSIVITY in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• S/he often blurts out answers in class
• S/he can't wait his turn when s/he is playing games or at school
• S/he interrupts others a lot, s/he just doesn't wait well
• S/he tends to do things without thinking about them first
• S/he does not consider the consequences of his/her actions

Symptoms of HYPERACTIVITY in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• S/he has happy hands and feet which fidget and squirm a lot
• S/he just can't stay in his/her seat for very long when s/he's supposed to at school or the dinner table
• S/he may run around too much, or climb on things s/he's not supposed to; Is too loud
• S/he is "On the go" as if s/he is "driven by a motor"
• S/he talks too much
• Leaves footprints across the ceiling

Important:

At least some of these symptoms must have been seen before the age of seven.

At least some of the symptoms are seen both at home and at school.

These behaviors are really a problem. Not just a little bit, but a lot.