Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]
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Overview
The most common symptoms of ADHD include chronic and long-lasting hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.[1]
History
Common symptoms
The primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While healthy people may exhibit these characteristics on occasion, they appear more frequently and in a more severe form in people with ADD/ADHD, and they often interfere with the patient’s academic or professional performance.[1]
Inattention means means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension. Inattention may manifest itself as:
- Overlooking details or making careless mistakes;
- Struggling to pay attention during lectures, conversations, or lengthy readings;
- Appearing not to be listening while being spoken to directly;
- Quickly losing focus and being easily distracted from the tasks at hand;
- Avoiding or disliking tasks that require sustained mental effort; and/or
- Being forgetful or easily distracted in daily activities, such as chores or errands.[1]
Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate, excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have high potential for harm; or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without first considering the potential long-term consequences.[1] Hyperactivity/impulsivity may manifest as:
- Excessive fidgeting or squirming;
- Leaving their seats in situations where staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office;
- Being unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly;
- Being constantly in motion or “on the go;”
- Talking nonstop; and/or
- Interrupting others during conversations or activities.