People with ADHD experience and exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development:

1. Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

Often:

1. fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
2. has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
3. does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school-work, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
5. has trouble organising tasks and activities.
6. avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
8. is easily distracted
9. is forgetful in daily activities.
10. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:

Often:

1. fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
2. leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
3. runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
4. unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
5. is “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
6. talks excessively.
7. blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
8. has trouble waiting their turn.
9. interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

In addition, the following conditions must be met:

1. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
2. Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
3. There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
4. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur:

Combined Presentation: if enough symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past 6 months

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if enough symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past six months

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if enough symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention, were present for the past six months.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

Diagnosing AD/HD in Adults:

To diagnose AD/HD in adults and adolescents age 17 years or older, only 5 symptoms are needed instead of the 6 needed for younger children. Symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Arlington, VA., American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

If you think you are experiencing AD/HD you may wish to undertake an assessment. For an assessment contact Chapman Marques Psychology & Relationship Counselling to schedule an appointment. Phone Reception on 02 62 511 880 or book online – reception@cmprc.com. AD/HD assessments cannot be conducted online.