What are the Symptoms of ADD?

What Are the Symptoms of ADD?

Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months. Some of these symptoms need to have been present as a child, at 7 years old or younger. The symptoms also must exist in at least two separate settings (for example, at school and at home). The symptoms should be creating significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning or relationships. Also, the individual must not be suffering from any condition or mental disorder that could explain the symptoms.

Symptoms of Inattention

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often 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).

Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).

Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

 

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.

Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).

Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.

Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor.

Often talks excessively.

 

Symptoms of Impulsivity

Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., buffs into conversations or games).

 

While these symptom lists are the official symptoms as listed in DSM-LV, there are also other lists that describe these behaviors in various terms.


 

Posted in Articles, Articles On Learning Disabilities.