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Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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ADHD characteristics often arise in early childhood. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) lists the following symptoms for Childhood ADHD:

Inattention

often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools)
often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as "driven by a motor"
often talks excessively
often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
often has difficulty awaiting turn
often interrupts or intrudes on others

By Michael Russell

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Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Inattention

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

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