Description of ADHD

Most people have heard the term ADHD but few really know what it is beyond a general image of young boys acting up. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition that affects approximately 3 percent to 7 percent of the population.

ADHD vs. ADD

• People are often confused about the difference between ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Some use ADHD to refer to the subtype of ADHD that includes hyperactivity and ADD to refer to the subtype that is primarily inattentiveness. The only medical term is ADHD, as this is the term used and defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

Subtypes of ADHD

• There are three subtypes identified by the APA: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type. As such, predominantly inattentive will have inattentive symptoms but not hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. The reverse is true for those with predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, while the combined type have both.

Inattentive Symptoms

• Symptoms that indicate inattention include not being detail oriented, has trouble keeping on task, does not appear to listen, has trouble following directions and completing homework or tasks, unorganized, often loses items, easily distracted and forgetful.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms

• Symptoms that indicate hyperactivity include fidgeting, has trouble remaining seated, talking excessively, always on the go, and has difficulty playing quietly. Impulsive symptoms include blurting out answers, has trouble waiting patiently, and interrupting others.

Normal Levels vs. Disruptive Levels

• Everyone exhibits symptoms of ADHD, but that does not mean they have ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and at a level that is both disruptive and inappropriate for the person's developmental level.