Attention deficit disorder

While the term ADD is technically an outdated term—and no longer used by medical professionals—it is still sometimes used colloquially to refer to someone who has predominantly inattentive ADHD which causes difficulty staying focused but does not include symptoms of hyperactivity. Symptoms of ADD (Inattentive Type ADHD) People with the inattentive type of ADHD struggle to pay attention or stay focused for long periods of time. Some of the symptoms of this type of ADHD include: • ADD is an older term for what is now known as the inattentive type of ADHD. • The term ADHD has been used to describe both inattentive and hyperactive types since the mid-1990s. • However, some people continue to use the term ADD as a way to indicate that the condition does not include hyperactivity as a symptom. • The DSM-5 currently recognizes three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive type (sometimes casually called ADD), hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type. Depending on your child's symptoms, they may be diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD, impulsive-hyperactive type ADHD, or combined type ADHD. Primarily Inattentive ADHD (Previously ADD) When people use the term ADD, they are likely referring to this type of ADHD. Some of the behaviors that someone with this type might experience include forgetfulness, problems with organization, difficulty listening, and lack of focus. • Difficulty sustaining attention • Often seeming to not be listening • Failing to pay attention to details • Difficulty ...

To meet the criteria for inattentive ADHD laid out by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a child must have at least six (or an adult must have five) of the following symptoms over the course of at least six months, to a degree that they impact their level of functioning: • Trouble paying close attention to details, such as making "careless mistakes" in schoolwork, including missing or inaccurate details in work • Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, such as staying focused during lectures, in conversations, or reading lengthy items • Seems not to be listening when spoken to directly and may seem to be daydreaming or not be "in the moment" • Does not follow through on instructions; has trouble finishing tasks such as schoolwork, chores, or other duties; and may start tasks but • Often has difficulty with organization, such as managing tasks and keeping work or home spaces neat, as well as problems with time management and missing deadlines • Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, preparing reports, and filling out forms • Loses items they need for tasks or activities, such as pencils, books, tools, glasses, and keys • Easily distracted by things around them or by unrelated thoughts • Forgetful in daily activities and may forget to do chores and errands, return phone calls, pay bills, or keep appointments No. Whi...

• ADHD Tests and Diagnosis • ADHD Parenting Tips • ADHD and School • ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Effects, and Self-Help • Adult ADHD and Relationships • Tips for Managing Adult ADHD • ADHD Medications for Children and Adults • Teaching Students with ADHD • Online Therapy: Is it Right for You? • Mental Health What is ADHD or ADD? It’s normal for children to occasionally forget their homework, daydream during class, act without thinking, or get fidgety at the dinner table. But inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are also signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes known as attention deficit disorder or ADD. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood, usually before the age of seven. ADHD makes it difficult for children to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness. We all know kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have ADHD. Is it normal kid behavior or is it ADHD? It can be difficult to distinguish between ADHD and normal “kid behavior.” If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. On the other hand, if your ch...