Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Inattentive Type
Individuals must have 5 or more of the symptoms below and they must be present for > 6 months in at least 2 different settings (i.e. work and home).
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Individuals must have 5 or more of the symptoms below and they must be present for > 6 months in at least 2 different settings (i.e. work and home).
Hyperactive Symptoms
Impulsive Symptoms
Mixed Type Meets the criteria for both the inattentive type and the hyperactive-impulsive types
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
ADHD and Anxiety look very similar on paper and people often mischaracterize anxiety symptoms as ADHD. This can result in the inappropriate use of stimulants for treatment, causing the anxiety to get worse. Misdiagnosing ADHD as anxiety has fewer devastating effects. Therefore, if there is any doubt (clinicians also struggle to tell these two apart), it is safest to try and treat the anxiety first.
Inattentive Type
Individuals must have 5 or more of the symptoms below and they must be present for > 6 months in at least 2 different settings (i.e. work and home).
- Displays poor listening skills
- Loses and/or misplaces items needed to complete activities or tasks
- Sidetracked by external or unimportant stimuli
- Forgets daily activities
- Diminished attention span
- Lacks ability to complete schoolwork and other assignments or to follow instructions
- Avoids or is disinclined to begin homework or activities requiring concentration • Fails to focus on details and/or makes thoughtless mistakes in schoolwork or assignments
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Individuals must have 5 or more of the symptoms below and they must be present for > 6 months in at least 2 different settings (i.e. work and home).
Hyperactive Symptoms
- Squirms when seated or fidgets with feet/hands
- Marked restlessness that is difficult to control
- Appears to be driven by “a motor” or is often “on the go”
- Lacks ability to play and engage in leisure activities in a quiet manner
- Incapable of staying seated in class
- Overly talkative
Impulsive Symptoms
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes into conversations and activities of others
- Impulsively blurts out answers before questions completed
Mixed Type Meets the criteria for both the inattentive type and the hyperactive-impulsive types
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
ADHD and Anxiety look very similar on paper and people often mischaracterize anxiety symptoms as ADHD. This can result in the inappropriate use of stimulants for treatment, causing the anxiety to get worse. Misdiagnosing ADHD as anxiety has fewer devastating effects. Therefore, if there is any doubt (clinicians also struggle to tell these two apart), it is safest to try and treat the anxiety first.
If you would like to request an appointment to be evaluated for ADHD or seek pharmacological treatment.
If you would like to request an appointment to be evaluated for ADHD or seek pharmacological treatment.