ADD – Inattentive Type Presentation

When six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
  • Often has difficulty in 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 (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions).
  • Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities.
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools).
  • Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as school work or homework).
  • Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities.

 

Hyperactive Impulsive Presentation (ADHD)

When six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six 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 adolescent or adulthood may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness.)
  • Often has difficulty in playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
  • Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
  • Often talks excessively.

IMPULSIVENESS

  • Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
  • Often has difficulty waiting turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games).

 

Combined Presentation ADHD

When six or more of the above symptoms from both Inattentive Type presentation and Hyperactive Impulsive Presentation have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

  • Some hyperactive-impulsiveness or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before the age of twelve.
  • Some impairment is present in two or more settings
  • There must be clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.
  • The symptoms do not occur during the course of PDD, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder.