Core Symptoms of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that affects children and adults. It is a developmental disorder and is commonly diagnosed in young children under the age of 7, with a history of impulsiveness, inattention and hyperactivity. This disorder can cause trouble for a child in settings where attention is required, such as school, and is often incorrectly categorized as a learning disability. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" sets out five criteria that must be met in order to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD; the appearance and history of these core symptoms over a period of months or years is used in identifying the disorder.

Inattention

• An inability to maintain focus on the task at hand or to channel attention to a necessary subject, such as a teacher or parent, is a core symptom of ADHD. Inattention may manifest as the inability to focus on a task, a failure to follow through on instructions or assignments, or an avoidance of tasks that require special attention or effort. The patient may be forgetful or be easily distracted by small, seemingly unimportant stimuli.

Hyperactivity

• Symptoms of hyperactivity may also be observed in a child with ADHD. This can show as fidgeting, failure to sit still or an inability to maintain appropriate behaviors, such as sitting at a desk in a classroom. He may run or climb in inappropriate situations and often have trouble with quiet activities. A hyperactive child may talk, seemingly incessantly, and be constantly on the move. As a core symptom, these signs must be exhibited for six months or more to confirm diagnosis.

Impulsivity

• Impulsivity may also be present with hyperactivity, manifesting in a number of ways. A person exhibiting signs of impulsivity may find it difficult to wait in line. She may speak out of turn in a setting such as a classroom, or she may rush in to answer questions before they are fully presented. A child exhibiting this symptom may "butt in" on games or conversations at inappropriate times. These symptoms must have been exhibited for at least six months.

Duration and Age

• While the signs of ADHD are important, it is also critical to note that the duration of these signs is also a symptom. In all cases, the symptoms must have been present for six months or more in order to conclude a diagnosis of ADHD; in addition, these core symptoms must have been present prior to 7 years of age. For that reason, ADHD is commonly perceived as a childhood disorder, when in reality it affects many adults who remained undiagnosed in childhood.

Setting

• The last core symptom of ADHD is the settings in which the other symptoms are displayed. While evaluation by a medical professional is necessary, the evaluation in a clinical setting does not always produce accurate results. Therefore, the patient must display the symptoms of ADHD in two or more settings, such as at school, at work or at home. Exhibiting signs of impaired functioning in several settings is necessary for a clinical diagnosis to be made.