| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition | | | | activities. |
| that affects between 3% and 5% of school children | | | | 3. Doesn't seem to be listening when they are spoken |
| and 2% and 4% of adults. Symptoms of the condition | | | | to directly. |
| are also different between adults and children which | | | | 4. Often doesn't follow instructions and fails to finish |
| makes the diagnosis more difficult. | | | | chores, duties, or schoolwork but this failure isn't related |
| The diagnosis of ADHD appears to be more common | | | | to oppositional behavior or failure to understand the |
| and more socially acceptable in children than it does in | | | | instructions. |
| adults. Society appears to hold the opinion that adults | | | | 5. Has trouble organizing activities. |
| should be able to control their behaviors while children | | | | 6. Often dislikes or doesn't want to do things that take |
| are given a bit more latitude. The symptoms that may | | | | mental effort for a period of time such as schoolwork. |
| be common in children will also change as they grow | | | | 7. Will lose things needed for a task or activity. |
| through adolescence making parenting a teen even | | | | 8. Is easily distracted. |
| more difficult than it is already. | | | | 9. Is often forgetful in daily activities at home, school or |
| The American Psychiatric Association recognizes the | | | | work. |
| DSM-IV or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental | | | | There are 6 factors that fall under the Hyperactivity |
| Disorders as a comprehensive classification of officially | | | | criteria and 3 under Impulsivity. At least six of these |
| recognized disorders. The most current, DSM-IV, was | | | | must be present for six months that are disruptive and |
| issued in 1993. The DSM-IV lists criteria for the | | | | inappropriate for the child or adults developmental level: |
| diagnosis of ADHD that fall in either the inattentive or | | | | 1. Fidgeting with hands or feet; squirms in the seat. |
| hyperactive categories. | | | | 2. Will get up from the seat when sitting is expected. |
| Based on their criteria there are three different types | | | | 3. Runs about or climbs when it's not appropriate. |
| of ADHD. There is a combined type in which there are | | | | Adults and adolescents will feel restless. |
| criteria from both the inattentive and hyperactive | | | | 4. Has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activity quietly. |
| impulsive factors; there is the Predominantly Inattentive | | | | 5. People will describe that they are driven or 'on the |
| Type when criteria from the inattentive type is met but | | | | go' constantly. |
| the criteria from the hyperactive/impulse haven't been | | | | 6. May talk excessively. |
| consistently met for the past six months; and there is | | | | 7. May blurt out answers before the questions are |
| the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type when | | | | finished. |
| criteria from the hyperactive/impulsive factors are met | | | | 8. Will have trouble waiting for their turn. |
| but none from the inattentive are met for the past six | | | | 9. May intrude on others games or conversations. |
| months. | | | | The DSM-IV also states that these factors were |
| The DSM-IV lists 9 criteria that are in the inattentive | | | | present before age 7 and that these symptoms are |
| factors. Children or adults who are diagnosed with | | | | present in two or more settings. In other words the |
| Predominantly Inattentive Type or Combined Type | | | | child doesn't act this way just in class but can control |
| must meet at least six or more of the symptoms and | | | | their behavior at home or at their friend's home. Instead |
| they must be present for at least six months at a level | | | | they have the same symptoms at home, at their |
| that is disruptive and inappropriate for the persons | | | | friends and at school or work. And these symptoms |
| developmental level. These inattentive factors are: | | | | cannot be explained by another mental disorder. |
| 1. Make careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or | | | | To find out more helpful tips and information about |
| other activities; doesn't give close attention to details. | | | | Attention Difficulties, be sure to visit the Attention |
| 2. Has trouble keeping their attention on task or play | | | | Deficit Disorder website. |