Diagnostic Criteria
These nine items do a thorough job of outlining the symptoms likely to be found in someone with poor attention associated with ADHD. As always you have to judge their performance based on others their age. If a two-year-old cannot sit through a college lecture on organic chemistry, this does not mean that he has pathologically low attention. Just as a 22-year-old that can play video games for eight hours straight does not indicate good attention. Activities like video games and online surfing does not require sustained attention since there is constant motion and stimulation.
A major symptom to be aware of is the eighth item on the list. Kids that are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli are usually easy to spot. You can be talking to them or asking them a question with their full attention when they become completely distracted by something crossing their field of vision or a sound that they hear. After this happens, it will be extremely challenging to have them return to the topic of discussion.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Unsurprisingly because of its name, the second set of ADHD symptoms fall into the category of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Again, there are nine symptoms listed but children only need six to meet the requirement for this section. Hyperactivity/ impulsivity symptoms include:
- Being restless while sitting marked by fidgeting, tapping hands or feet and squirming.
- Because he cannot sit still will often get up and leave seat when staying seated is expected.
- Runs, climbs or walks quickly in situations that are inappropriate.
- Unable to play or engage in leisure activities.
- Difficulty staying still for long periods of time, always on the go with endless energy.
- Difficulty staying quiet/ will speak excessively.
- Difficulty taking turns in conversations and will blurt out answers or information inappropriately.
- Difficulty waiting for turn in games or waiting in lines.
- Frequently interrupts or interferes with the activities of others by butting into a game or activity without being invited.
One of the major symptoms to be aware of in this section is the fourth item. People with ADHD are often identified because of their inability to play by themselves. They will often complain of being bored or having nothing to do in the home. This fact leads parents to allow for longer periods of video game time since this seems to be the only activity that can satisfy them.
Making the Diagnosis
Review the above nine inattention items and the nine hyperactivity/impulsivity items. Gather information from others about performance in other environments and situations. If you are investigating your own symptoms, ask trusted supports for their opinion of your attention and activity levels. Track the impact these symptoms have on your life.