Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by inattention, hyperactivity or both. If diagnosed with inattention one may fail to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities, often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly, often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities, often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, often loses things necessary for tasks or activities, is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, and is often forgetful in daily activities. To be diagnosed with hyperactivity and impulsivity one often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat, often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected, often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate, often is unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly, often is “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor”, often talks excessively, often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed, and often has difficulty waiting his or her turn, often interrupts or intrudes on others.