Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is an illness characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

There are actually three different types of ADHD, each with different symptoms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.

Those with the predominantly inattentive type often:

• fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
• have difficulty sustaining attention to tasks or leisure activities
• do not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• do not follow through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• have difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• avoid, dislike, or are reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• lose things necessary for tasks or activities
• are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• are forgetful in daily activities

Those with the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type often:

• fidget with their hands or feet or squirm in their seat
• leave their seat in situations in which remaining seated is expected
• move excessively or feel restless during situations in which such behavior is inappropriate
• have difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly
• are "on the go" or act as if "driven by a motor"
• talk excessively
• blurt out answers before questions have been completed
• have difficulty awaiting their turn
• interrupt or intrude on others

Those with the combined type, the most common type of ADHD, have a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.