Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD

Children may show symptoms of ADHD in different ways. Symptoms and behaviors of ADHD may include being easily distracted, running around or climbing excessively, being disorganized, arguing with adults, deliberately annoying others, losing one's temper, and being easily frustrated or irritable. Some symptoms may be more challenging at school, while others may seem much more disruptive at home. Just as each child is unique, each child's set of ADHD symptoms may be unique as well.

Click on the tabs below to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD.

Behaviors associated with ADHD
While inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the primary symptoms of ADHD, other behaviors have been associated with ADHD.

These behaviors may include:

  • being easily frustrated/irritable
  • frequent outbursts of temper
  • bossiness
  • stubbornness
  • frequent changes in mood
  • arguing with adults
  • deliberately annoying others
Inattention
Does your child find it hard to stay organized? Is he easily distracted? Does she find it difficult to finish one thing before moving on to the next? These are some of the behaviors associated with inattention in ADHD.

Symptoms of inattention may include frequent:

  • inability to pay close attention to details
  • careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
  • difficulty paying attention in tasks or play activities
  • inability to listen when spoken to directly
  • inability to follow through on instructions
  • inability to finish schoolwork or chores
  • difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • avoidance, dislike, or unwillingness to do things that involve continuous mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework
  • loss of things needed for tasks or activities, such as toys, school assignments, pencils, or books
  • distraction by noises or objects, such as a car honking
  • forgetfulness in daily activities
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity may include constant fidgeting, difficulty with quiet activities, and excessive talking. Hyperactive children are often described as "on the go" or as if "driven by a motor."

Symptoms of hyperactivity include frequent:

  • fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming when seated
  • leaving his or her seat in the classroom or in other places where it is inappropriate
  • running around or climbing excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
  • difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • excessive talking
Impulsivity
Impulsive children may be unable to wait for their turn, and are often unable to prevent themselves from blurting out comments, even when they are inappropriate.

Symptoms of impulsivity may include:

  • blurting out answers before questions have been completed
  • having difficulty awaiting his or her turn
  • interrupting or intruding on others
 
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