Clinical guidelines for
diagnosis of ADHD are provided in the diagnostic manual of the American
Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). DSM-IV symptoms for ADHD include:
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 school-work, 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 requires sustained mental
effort
- Often loses things
necessary for tasks or activities
- 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., butts into conversations or games)
Subtypes Of ADHD
The DSM-IV defines three subtypes for
ADHD:
ADHD Combined Type
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
For More Information Contact:
Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.
30 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 814, Chicago, IL 60602
Tel: 312-372-4824
Internet:
mail@addcenters.com
