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ADHD Across the Lifespan

Preschool Years

  • Extreme motor restlessness
  • Spills things
  • Insatiable curiosity
  • “Fearless”
  • Low levels of compliance
  • Vigorous, destructive play
  • Demanding, noisy
  • Interrupts others
  • Excessive temper tantrums
DuPaul GJ, et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2001;40:508-15
Greenhill LL. J Clin Psychiatry 1998;59(suppl 7):31-41

School Age

  • Incomplete homework
  • Blurting out answers before question completed
  • Easily distracted
  • Interrupts others
  • Aggressive
  • Difficulty with rules
  • Unwilling to do chores at home
Greenhill LL. J Clin Psychiatry 1998;59(suppl 7):31-41

Adolescence

  • Sense of inner restlessness
  • Disorganized school work, poor follow through
  • Dependent in work
  • Engage in risky behavior
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Poor peer relationships
  • Clash with authority
Cuffe SP, et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2001;40:1037-44
Greenhill LL. J Clin Psychiatry 1998;59(suppl 7):31-41

Adulthood:

  • Distractible, restless, poor planning & organization
  • Poor memory, emotional distress, frustration
  • Low occupational achievement
  • Difficulty finishing daily jobs
  • Family problems (separation, divorce, multiple marriages)
  • Comorbidities
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Rule breaking behavior

 

Faraone SV, et al. Biol Psychiatry 2000;48:9-20