ADHD Facts

I suppose the first post on an ADHD page should provide some basic information about this disorder. While many people think that any child who is fidgety and inattentive can be classified as having ADHD, the reality is that there are specific criteria to meet this diagnosis. Per the CDC guidelines, a child with inattentive-type ADHD have SIX of the following features:

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

• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.

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

• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).

• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

• Is often easily distracted

• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

A child with hyperactive-predominant ADHD have five or six (depending on age) of the following:

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
• Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor".
• Often talks excessively.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
• Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

There are other criteria that must be met, and a diagnosis should not be made based simply on a checklist.

Firas Rabi, MD