ADHD- Symptoms

        ADHD cannot be diagnosed with a simple medical test, but the diagnostic
criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) is:

   A. Either 1 or 2

         1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention 
            have persisted for at least six months to a degree 
            that is maladaptive and inconsistent with 
            developmental level:

               a. Often fails to give close attention to details
                  or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work,
                  or other activities

               b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in
                  tasks or play activities

               c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to 
                  directly

               d. 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)

               e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

               f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage 
                  in tasks that require sustained mental effort 
                  (such as school work or homework)

               g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or 
                  activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, 
                  pencils, books, or tools)

               h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

               i. Is often forgetful in daily activities

         2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity/
            impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to
            a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with
            developmental level

          HYPERACTIVITY

         a.  Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

         b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations
            in which remaining seated is expected

         c. 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)

         d. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure 
            activities quietly

         e. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"

         f. Often talks excessively

            IMPULSIVITY

         g. Often blurts out answers before questions have 
            been completed

         h. Often has difficulty awaiting turn

         i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts
            into conversations or games)

   B. Some hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive symptoms that 
      caused impairment were present before 7 years of age

   C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or 
      more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home)

   D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant 
     impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning

   E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course 
     of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or
     other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for
     by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety
    disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder.)

   Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

     1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are
        met for the past 6 months
      
     2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A
        is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months 

    3.  ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: 
        if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not 
        met for the past six months.

        Here are some common characteristics of ADHD affected people. (note that this list includes both traits of predominantly hyperactive type ADHD and traits of predominantly impulsive type ADHD.)

• fidgets alot
• difficulty in completing tasks
• constantly moving
• talking excessivly
• forgetfulness
• easily distracted