ADHD symptoms

ADHD and ADD symptoms and diagnosis

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been debated since it first started being diagnosed in the 1970's, but it is widely accepted that the disorder exists and ADHD has identifiable symptoms. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting 3 to 5% of children worldwide. ¹ It's widely accepted that ADHD symptoms will manifest before the age of seven. ²

Symptoms of ADHD are varied but clinicians and the medical establishment widely agree that the presence of core symptoms should result in a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The predominant behaviour markers of ADHD are low attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affecting communication and normal relations. While these behaviours are typical of children (and indeed everyone), a diagnosis results from the observation of ADHD symptoms in at least two different settings over six months or more, to a degree that is measurably greater than other children the same age. ³

ADD & ADHD Unified

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD were originally considered separate disorders but the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) unified the definition in 2000. The DSM is the authoritative, de facto Bible of the psychiatric profession.

ADHD symptoms list

According to the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the symptoms of ADHD are as follows⁴:

Inattention may manifest in the following symptoms in children:

• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty focusing on one thing
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
• Not seem to listen when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions.

Hyperactivity in children with ADHD may be manifest as the following symptoms:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats
• Talk nonstop
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
• Be constantly in motion
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

ADHD children with impulsivity may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Be very impatient
• Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
• Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

This list of symptoms is broad, of course. To learn about the signs and symptoms of other special needs, see our guide.

Diagnosing ADHD symptoms in Canada

The CADDAC also lists some red flags to watch for.

In Canada, if you are concerned about your child, you should have him or her diagnosed by a doctor or medical specialist. The diagnosis consists of an initial screen a physical exam and at least one interview with the child. 

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may want to consider a private school specializing in ADHD support listed below.

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If you’re interested, read our guide to the symptoms and signs of other special needs. You can also check out our guide to the assessment and diagnosis of various special needs.

¹nimh.nih.gov.

² Biederman J (1998). "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a life-span perspective". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
59 Suppl 7: 4–16. PMID 9680048.

³ health.google.com

⁴  http://psycom.net/adhd