ADHD Symptoms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition (DSM-5), used in the USA and the rest of the world for the formal diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was released by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 and replaces the previous version (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4th edition [DSM-IV])
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is one of the most common neurological disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. The problem with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, is that it can have a significant impact over learning. Children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. Often, medication is one of the most effective treatments along with behavioral and curricular modifications and accommodations. Child-Testing specializes in ADHD and other learning impairments. Call us (813)468-6528 for a consultation.
Signs and Symptoms
A child with ADHD might:
- daydream a lot
- forget or lose things a lot
- squirm or fidget
- talk too much
- make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- have a hard time resisting temptation
- have trouble taking turns
- have difficulty getting along with others
Three presentations of ADHD are defined in DSM-5™ (Diagnostic Statistical Manual based on the predominant symptom pattern for the past 6 months:
1- Predominantly inattentive presentation – diagnosed if 6 or more symptoms of inattention (but less than 6 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity) have persisted for at least 6 months.
2- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation – diagnosed if 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (but less than 6 symptoms of inattention) have been present for at least 6 months.
3- Combined presentation – all three core features are present and ADHD is diagnosed when 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and 6 or more symptoms of inattention have been observed for at least 6 months.
Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD (aka ADD):
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Forgetful in daily activities.
Symptoms of Hyperactive ADHD:
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
- Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
- Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
- Appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.”
- Talks excessively.
Symptoms of Impulsive ADHD:
- Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
- Has difficulty awaiting turn.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
- Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7.
- Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
- There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).
The current severity of ADHD should also be specified:
Mild – few, if any, symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis are present, and symptoms result in no more than minor impairments in social or occupational functioning
Moderate – symptoms or functional impairment between ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ are present
Severe – many symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis, or several symptoms that are particularly severe, are present; or the symptoms result in marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.
The DSM-5 notes that although motor symptoms of hyperactivity become less obvious in adolescence and adulthood, difficulties persist with restlessness, inattention, poor planning and impulsivity. The DSM-5 also acknowledges that a substantial proportion of children remain relatively impaired into adulthood. Read about Adult ADHD.