what is adhd and what are the sytoms?

Answer 1

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-aged children, and the most extensively studied mental disorder of childhood. According to the fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), ADHD is characterized by inattention, including increased distractibility and difficulty sustaining attention; poor impulse control and decreased self-inhibitory capacity; and motor overactivity and motor restlessness. These symptoms are pervasive and interfere with the individual's ability to function under normal circumstances. DSM-IV identifies three types of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, predominantly inattentive symptoms, and combined type. Affected children commonly experience problems with academic underachievement, interpersonal relationships with family members and peers, and low self-esteem. ADHD frequently co-occurs with other emotional, behavioral, language and learning disorders.

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD:

A. Either 1 or 2
1. Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 mo to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with development level: Inattention
a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work, work, or other activities

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

d. 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)

e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

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

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

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities


2. Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 mo to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level: Hyperactivity
a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

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

c. 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)

d. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

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

f. Often talks excessively, Impulsivity

g. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed

h. Often has difficulty awaiting turn

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


B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before 7 yr of age.

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in 2 or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] or at home).

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder).

With increasing age, clinical manifestations may change from predominantly motor restlessness, aggressive, and disruptive behavior in preschool children to disorganized, distractible, and inattentive symptoms in older adolescents and adults. In particular, ADHD is more difficult to diagnose in preschool children, who normally tend to be active and restless. The disorder is also difficult to identify in children with cognitive disabilities, who often act in an immature fashion and whose intentions may be difficult to judge.

Answer 2

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Symptoms are not being able to concentrate for long periods of time, feeling like you always have to be moving. My 11 year old son was just diagnosed and he bounces around the house like Tigger at times. He will sit down to do homework, but is very easily distracted by other things.

Answer 3

ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can cause a wide variety of symptoms that vary in severity. They can also be different in children than adults. Research it on the net or go to the library.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I think it has something to do with not being able to pay attention for long periods of time. But having a short attention span does not mean you have it.

Answer 6

If one can watch a tv show and concentrate then they do not have ADHD.

Answer 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADHD