126 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
There are two types of ADHD: 1) Inattentive Type, and 2) Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.
DSM-IV-TR criteria
Inattentive Type
- Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
- 1) Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- 2) Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- 3) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- 4) Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
- 5) Often has trouble organizing activities.
- 6) Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- 7) Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- 8) Is often easily distracted.
- 9) Often forgetful in daily activities.
- Attention can mean a number of different things.
- In ADHD, the main problem is the inability to have sustained attention or persistence on tasks, remember and follow rules and resist distractions.
- May be more related to working memory than true “attention” problems.
- People with ADHD exhibit more “off-task” time and less productivity.
- Even occurs during things like television.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
- Hyperactivity:
- 1) Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- 2) Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
- 3) Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
- 4) Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
- 5) Often talks excessively.
- Impulsiveness:
- 6) Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- 7) Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
- 8) Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
- Hyperactivity:
- Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years. There has to be an onset of symptoms prior to 7 years old, but a diagnosis can occur much later.
- Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
- There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
- The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, A