ADHD

What is ADHD?

DSM-5 criteria for ADHD include persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are present for at least six months, started before the age of 12, occur in at least two settings (e.g., home, school, work), and interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning. These symptoms are categorized into two main groups: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. 

Inattention Symptoms:

• Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes.

• Having difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities.

• Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly.

• Failing to follow through on instructions and complete tasks.

• Having difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort.

• Losing things necessary for tasks and activities.

• Being easily distracted.

• Being forgetful in daily activities. 

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming in a chair.

• Difficulty remaining seated when required.

• Running about or climbing excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults.

• Difficulty engaging in quiet play or leisure activities.

• Talking excessively.

• Blurting out answers before questions have been completed.

• Difficulty waiting one's turn.

• Interrupting or intruding on others. 

For a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six symptoms from either the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity category, or a combination of both. The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause significant impairment in at least two settings, such as home, school, or work. 

The DSM-5 also recognizes three presentations of ADHD: 

• Predominantly Inattentive: Characterized by a predominance of inattention symptoms. 

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Characterized by a predominance of hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. 

• Combined: Characterized by a significant number of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms.