Attention Deficit Disorders

Attention Problems

• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
• often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools
• is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• is often forgetful in daily activities
• six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
  
  

  Hyperactivity:

  • often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
  • often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
  • often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
  • often talks excessively

  Impulsivity:

  • often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  • often has difficulty awaiting turn
  • often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
• Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
• Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
• There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.