The Signs and Symptoms Associated with ADHD

The most tell-tale symptoms associated with ADHD include inability to focus (inattentiveness) and/or exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behaviors. Any concerned parent reading this should note that these are all traits that almost every child displays at some point during their development. Establishing that the patient indeed has ADHD (also known as ADD) requires confirmation that these symptoms are inappropriate for their age.

(Did you know that ADHD was the primary focus for many clinical trials around the country? You can learn more here.)

Adults can also suffer from the symptoms of ADHD, but at least half had developed the condition when they were children. Adult ADHD can exhibit varying symptoms. Some patients experience chronic restlessness. The effects of this condition can put serious strains on personal relationships and job performance.

Common Types of ADHD

ADHD actually embodies three different subtypes, including:

• Combined ADHD (most common) – This condition exhibits both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive symptoms.
• Inattentive ADHD (used to be just ADD) – Patients will exhibit impaired ability to concentrate on any specific tasks.
• Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD – Patients struggle with the effects of hyperactivity, but they don’t exhibit inattentiveness.

Doctors must conform that certain ADHD symptoms were present before the patient had turned seven. Patients must also be impaired by their symptoms in more than one particular setting. They’ll look for concise evidence that these indications have been interfering with the patient’s ability to function at home, work, or in social encounters.

The Most Common Symptoms of ADHD

There are three main categories of ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.

Parents may not even notice that their child has an issue focusing until they’ve progressed further along in school. Adult ADHD patients may struggle with these symptoms at work and in social encounters.

Someone who has ADHD could exhibit any of the following indications:

• Has a tendency to make careless errors at school or at work, can’t focus on details easily and produces lackluster and sloppy work
• Can’t maintain focus on tasks or specific activities
• Is easily distracted by seemingly random stimuli, gets derailed from tasks by irrelevant noises or happenings
• Tasks that require significant planning and commitment are extremely tough to perform
• Procrastination
• Disorganized work habits
• Can be flaky or forgetful when it comes to keeping daily commitments
• Has trouble keeping focused during conversations, may randomly change subjects for no reason, and have issues abiding by certain governing rules in social situations
• Frequently drops one uncompleted task to move on to another

Parents should note the symptoms of ADHD start to develop at a very early stage in development. All the following are common indications in children under seven years old:

• Gets up a lot to walk around without a significant purpose in mind
• Issues sitting still, will fidget and squirm a bit
• May be excessively chatty
• Will run and climb at times that are not appropriate
• Issues staying quiet while playing

Just as one final reminder that the symptoms we just listed are not automatically indicative of ADHD. Many young children tend to get fidgety in their chairs and like to play even at inappropriate times. If you think your child may be exhibiting signs of ADHD, please schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.