What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The person with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
- Has difficulty following instructions
- Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school, work and home
- Loses things needed for activities at school, work and home
- Appears not to listen
- Doesn't pay close attention to details
- Seems disorganized
- Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
- Forgets things
- Is easily distracted
The person with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:
- Fidgety
- Runs or climbs inappropriately
- Can't play quietly
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts people
- Can't stay in seat
- Talks too much
- Is always on the go
- Has trouble waiting his or her turn
People who have ADHD have symptoms for at least 6 months.
Source
Adult ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment in Family Medicine by HR Searight, Ph.D., JM Burke, Pharm.D. and F Rottnek, M.D. (American Family Physician November 01, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20001101/2077.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 09/10
Created: 04/97