Symptoms

There are a number of “symptoms” or behaviors that are associated with ADHD. In fact, there are 3 subtypes or kinds of ADHD:

• Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype
• Inattentive subtype
• Combined subtype (Symptoms of both the Hyperactive/Impulsive and Inattentive subtypes)

1. Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype If a child has the Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype of ADHD, he or she is likely to have at least six of the following symptoms occur often:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Has difficulty staying seated
• Runs around or climbs excessively
• Has difficulty doing activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor
• Talks constantly, or more than normal
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty waiting for his “turn” in activities
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others

2. Inattentive subtype If a child has the Inattentive subtype of ADHD, he or she is likely to have at least six of the following symptoms occur often:

• Has difficulty paying close attention to details and/or makes careless mistakes
• Has difficulty paying attention for long periods of time
• Has difficulty following through with instructions
• Has difficulty with organization
• Does not appear to listen
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require attention
• Often loses things
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities and routine tasks

3. Combined type When a child has the Combined subtype of ADHD, he or she has at least six symptoms of Hyperactivity/Impulsive AND at least 6 symptoms of Inattention that occur often or very often. In order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms mentioned above must be present for at least 6 months andcause problems in two or more settings (such as the home, school, and social activities). Many children with ADHD have had problems since they were infants and toddlers, particularly those children with the Hyperactive/Impulsive or Combined subtypes of ADHD. Children with the Inattentive subtype of ADHD may not have trouble in school until they reach junior high or high school when their schoolwork becomes more complicated. Boys are 2 to 3 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with the Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype of ADHD, while the Inattentive subtype of ADHD seems to occur in girls as often as it does in boys.