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• daydream a lot
• forget or lose things a lot
• squirm or fidget
• talk too much
• make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
• have a hard time resisting temptation
• have trouble taking turns
• have difficulty getting along with others
For children under 17 Years, at least six of these must be present for an ADHD
diagnosis. For older individuals, only five are necessary. The first set of symptoms
relate to problems with attention or focus. They include:
1. Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to
a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly
or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older),
a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at
work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in
d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or
duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).
e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential
tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has
f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental
effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports,
g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books,
h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may
i. Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older
at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that
Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility,
or a failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and
b. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves his or her
place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require
remaining in place).
g. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes
h. Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities;
may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; for
adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
B. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12
years.
settings (e.g., at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
D. There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of,
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another
psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood
intoxication or withdrawal).
1.
The brain of a person with ADHD is slightly different than others. Two structures in
particular tend to be smaller: the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex.
2. The basal ganglia controls the movement of muscles. It signals which should be
working and which should be at rest at any given time.
3. For example, if a child is sitting at a desk in the classroom, the basal ganglia should
send a message telling the feet to stay still. In the case of ADHD, the feet may not
receive the message. As such, they might remain in motion. A deficiency of the basal
ganglia can also sometimes cause fidgety hand movements. For example, people
with ADHD may tap a pencil on a desk, or drum their fingers.
4. The prefrontal cortex is important for conducting higher-order tasks. It is where
memory, learning, and attention regulation come together. This area is essential for
intellectual functions.
5. The prefrontal cortex plays an important role in regulating the neurotransmitter
dopamine. Dopamine affects your ability to focus and is usually at lower levels in
persons with ADHD.
6. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter related to the prefrontal cortex. It affects
mood, sleep, and appetite. When serotonin drops too low, depression and anxiety
result.
7. Lower levels of dopamine and serotonin can make it harder to focus. As a result,
people with ADHD struggle to focus on one thing at a time, and are more easily
distracted.
• Brain injury
• Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead, mercury) during pregnancy or at
a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight
• Eating too much sugar,
• Watching too much television,
• Parenting (conflict/careless parenting/lack of awareness)
• Other social and environmental factors (Dealing with others)
“CHILDREN ARE GIFT FROM GOD ALMIGHTY; TODAY'S CHILDREN ARE TOMORROW'S