Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder.

According to the DSM IV, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. Some of there symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity must have been present before age seven, however, most people are not diagnosed until years later although the symptoms have been present. In order to be correctly diagnosed with ADD, there must be impairment in at least two areas of life, at home and at school or work. There should be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The symptoms related to this disorder include failure to give close attention to detail, making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other tasks. Their work is usually messy and thrown together with very little thought. These individuals find it difficult to sustain attention in tasks or play activities and find it hard to stick to a task until completion. They often do not follow through on requests or instructions. It’ll appear as if their mind is somewhere else entirely or as if they simply aren’t listening to what was said. They may frequently shift from one uncompleted task to another. Tasks that are thought to require mental effort are seen as extremely unpleasant. These individuals typically avoid activities that require close concentration. As for work habits they are often disorganized, materials needed are scattered or possibly lost. People with this disorder are easily distracted by irrelevant and trivial noised that others can easily ignore, such as car honking or background conversations. In social situations, the inattention will be seen infrequent changing of conversations or not listening. Hyperactivity is noticed by fidgetiness or squirming in one’s seat, not remaining seated when supposed to, running around in inappropriate situations.