ADD DEFINITION PROFESSIONAL

Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.

Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.

Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well has messy, disorganized work misses deadlines).

Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus).

Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).

Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.

Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.

For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently: Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization. For instance, the symptoms can not only occur at home. When considering the diagnosis, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this disorder begins in childhood.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.Ī diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months.

Predominantly inattentive presentation.

The observed symptoms are not the result of an individual being defiant or not being able to understand tasks or instructions. These symptoms lead to significant suffering and cause problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships. However, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, differ in that their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and/or inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level. Many children may have difficulties sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, being fidgety, and acting impulsively. Boys tend to present with hyperactivity and other externalizing symptoms whereas girls tend to have inactivity.

However, this does not mean that boys are more likely to have ADHD. It is more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls given differences in how the symptoms present. ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. Of note, ADHD presentation and assessment in adults differs this page focuses on children.Īn estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD (Danielson, 2018 Simon, et al., 2009). Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism possibly stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout life (Beaton, et al., 2022). ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately treated (Harpin et al., 2016).

ADD DEFINITION PROFESSIONAL

Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought). ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (Harpin, 2005). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.

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