ADHD - the term

The term ADHD is now synonymous with many child who is active, who makes things challenging for the parent this is now the term with lot of frustrations and even to the depressive thoughts about the child.

The term is compromised of two features by DSM  -  5 criteria

Inattentive presentation:

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

Has difficulty sustaining attention.

Does not appear to listen.

Struggles to follow through on instructions.

Has difficulty with organization.

Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring a lot of thinking.

Loses things.

Is easily distracted.

Is forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactive-impulsive presentation:

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.

Has difficulty remaining seated.

Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults.

Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.

Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside like they were driven by a motor.

Talks excessively.

Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

Difficulty waiting or taking turns.

Interrupts or intrudes upon others.

Combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive presentation:

Has symptoms from both of the above presentations. 


Reference: American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association