Attention Please… Understanding Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD or ADD as it was once called, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Once thought to
be a “childhood disorder” it is now recognized in adulthood. Children can be easier to
diagnose because symptoms are caught more easily in a school setting. However, to
receive an actual diagnosis, you must have symptoms for at least 6 months and the
pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity must be to a “degree that is maladaptive and
inconsistent with developmental level” (DSM 5). The symptoms you have must have
also been present before the age of 7 and experienced some impairment in either your
work/school or home life.

In addition to the above criteria, for inattentive type, you have to have at least 6 of the
following symptoms:
1- Failure to attend to details, making careless mistakes, overlooks work
items or work inaccurate
2- Difficulties sustaining attention
3- Doesn’t appear to listen when spoken to directly; difficulties remaining
focused during lectures, convos, reading, etc
4- Doesn’t follow through on directions; fail to finish chores or work duties
(start task quickly, lose focus and get easily sidetracked)
5- Difficulties organizing tasks and activities; poor time management, fail to
meet deadlines
6- Frequently avoids or reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained
mental effort
7- Loses things needed for task completion (glasses, keys, cell phone etc)
8- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (or unrelated thoughts)
9- Forgetful in daily activities

In addition to the above criteria, for hyperactivity type, you have to have at least 6 of
the following symptoms:
1- Fidgety, squirm in seat; taps hands or feet at desk
2- Frequently leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
3- Run or climbs in inappropriate situations (childhood); restlessness
(adulthood)
4- Inability to participate in leisure activities quietly
5- Acts as if “driven by a motor” or presents “on the go” frequently
6- Talks excessively
7- Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (can’t wait for
a turn in convo)
8- Difficulties waiting his/her turn
9- Interrupts and/or intrudes on others

Regardless of what type of ADHD you may have, it is important to get a proper diagnosis so that
your symptoms can be treated. Treatments include both medications and therapy. Additionally,
mental health can impact your ADHD symptoms. For example, if you are depressed or anxious,
you may be more likely to be forgetful or distracted. If you are unsure about whether or not you
have ADHD, seek consultation from a trained licensed professional.
Until next time,
Amy
“All real, all the time.”