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ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by poor attention span and hyperactivity, but it is not a mental illness or genetic defect. Diagnosis is made based on symptoms, which must be consistent for at least six months and have a significant impact on performance. Symptoms include poor concentration, forgetfulness, impulsiveness, and difficulty completing tasks.
ADHD is the acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition characterized by poor attention span and predisposition to hyperactivity. However, while ADHD is classified as a neurological condition, it is important to recognize that it is not a form of mental illness or genetic defect. In fact, the term is simply meant to describe a certain set of behaviors, not a progressive or degenerative neurological disease. Additionally, ADHD, previously known simply as ADD, may or may not actually involve hyperactivity in combination with a short attention span.
Unfortunately, there is no blood test or imaging scan that can determine an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. So, doctors and educators are left to make an assessment based on demonstrating some ADHD symptoms. These generally include difficulty staying on task, being easily distracted, displaying forgetfulness, and exhibiting compulsive behaviors. The first symptoms of ADHD typically appear in children before the age of seven. However, because so many cases go undetected due to lack of professional observation, a diagnosis cannot be made until the child has reached elementary school.
To reach a confirmed diagnosis, the patient must show six or more ADHD symptoms associated with the three subcategories of ADHD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), which are:
Mostly inattentive
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive
Additionally, these symptoms must remain consistent for at least six months and have a significant impact on performance both at home and in school.
The following are some common symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults under DSM-IV-TR:
Inattentive Type ADHD In Children:
Overall poor concentration
Forgetfulness
Difficulty paying attention to details, often resulting in careless mistakes when completing tasks
Loses items frequently
Difficulty taking verbal direction
Lacks organizational skills
Easily distracted
Avoiding any projects that require fixed concentration for long periods Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD in children: talking incessantly, including interrupting others
Difficulty sitting still or participating in a quiet activity
Interferes with the conversations or activities of others
Shows a high level of restlessness (i.e., fiddling with hands or feet, tapping with pencil, etc.)
Often leaves his seat during class
Difficulty waiting turn or standing in line ADHD in adults: history of ADHD symptoms in childhood
Difficulty concentrating
Hyperactivity
Impulsiveness
Short-tempered
Mood swings
Difficulty completing tasks
Difficulty coping with stress
