Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder and symptoms

What is attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)? 

ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:

• Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized.
• Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively.
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd) 

Adult ADHD symptoms start in early childhood and can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.

ADHD is a long-term (chronic) brain condition that causes executive dysfunction, which means it disrupts a person’s ability to manage their own emotions, thoughts and actions. ADHD makes it difficult for people to:

• Manage their behaviour.
• Pay attention.
• Control overactivity
• Regulate their mood.
• Stay organized.
• Concentrate
• Follow directions.
• Sit still.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 11% of U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 17 have received an ADHD diagnosis. Worldwide, 7.2% of children have received an ADHD diagnosis. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd) 

SYMPTOMS

Providers use the signs of ADHD to diagnose and determine the type of condition: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, combined or unspecified. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides guidelines providers use to make diagnoses.

Predominantly inattentive presentation

• Trouble paying attention to details or making careless mistakes.
• Issues remaining focused on tasks and activities.
• Difficulty listening well, daydreaming or seeming distracted.
• Trouble with following instructions and/or finishing tasks.
• Difficulty with organizing tasks and activities
• Avoiding or disliking tasks that require continuous mental effort.
• Losing things frequently
• Easily distracted by outside stimuli
• Forgetful in daily activities

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation

• Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or squirming frequently
• Leaving their seat when remaining seated is expected.
• Running or climbing when it’s not appropriate.
• Trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Always seeming “on the go” or “driven by a motor”
• Blurting out answers before questions are completed.
• Frequent trouble waiting for their turn.
• Often interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or game
• Little or no sense of danger 
• Acting without thinking

Talking too much

Combined presentation

People with combined type display behaviours from both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive categories. According to the DSM-5, children must display at least 12 of the total behaviours (at least six inattentive behaviours and six hyperactive/impulsive behaviours). 

(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd)