Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health disorder, most often diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, manifesting itself as a persistent pattern of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and/or impulsive behavior, leading to significant life impairment.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA; 1994) the following are signs and symptoms typically exhibited by those struggling with ADHD. An individual with ADHD may have symptoms in anyone or all of the categories below. It is estimated that 4-5% of the adult population has ADHD. 60-75% of children with ADHD will have symptoms as adults.

Attentional difficulties as evidenced by:

• Failure to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in School, work or other activities
• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Often doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks
• Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Often loses things
• Often easily distracted
• Forgetful

Hyperactivity as evidenced by:

• 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
• Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• Often is "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
• Often talks excessively

Impulsivity as evidenced by:

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Often has difficulty waiting his/her turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others

These symptoms must be present prior to age seven, occur across settings [at home, work, school] and cause significant life impairment. Given that ADHD usually causes impairment across settings a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment is strongly recommended. Specifically, the use of medication [Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Strattera] and behavioral management training has been shown to significantly increase the overall functioning of the individual within their family, academic and occupational environments. (Barley, 1990; Richters et al., 1995)

When ADHD is not treated during adolescence the individual may have difficulty with peer relationships, school, work and sports. This often leads to chronic depression manifested by a depressed or irritable mood. Very intelligent children and teens [especially females] may not be diagnosed until the college years, if they don't have hyperactive features. The risks of drug abuse in persons with ADHD is higher if they are not treated with the correct medications. If you know a child, adolescent or adult with these symptoms be sure to encourage them to seek professional help.

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Barkley, R.A. (1990). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. New York: Guilford Press. Richters, J.E., Arnold, L.E., Jensen, P.S., Abikoff, H., Conners, C.K., Greenhill, L.L., Hechtman, L., Hinshaw, S.P., Pelham, W.E., & Swanson, J.M. (1995). NIMH collaborative multisite multimodal treatment study of children with ADHD: I.Background and rationale. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 34, 987-1000.