Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): Pathogenesis and clinical findings

 - For diagnosis, must have either 26 symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity or >6 symptoms of Inattention (relaxed to 25 for new diagnosis at > 17 years old), for >6 months, presenting in >2 settings

 - Symptoms must have presented before 12 years of age, interfere with functioning or development, and be inappropriate for developmental level

 - ADHD affects 4-12% of school-aged children, and is more common in males than females (4:1)

 - Males are more likely to present with hyperactivity-impulsivity ADHD, while females are more likely to present with inattentive ADHD

Hyperactivity

 • Talks excessively

 • Fidgety or restless

 • Acts as if "driven by a motor"

 • Difficulty playing quietly

 • Leaves seat when expected to remain seated

 • Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations

Impulsivity

 • Blurts out answers before a question has been completed

 • Difficulty awaiting their turn

 • Causes frequent interruptions or intrusions

Inattentiveness

 • Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks

 • Easily distracted by unrelated stimuli or thoughts

 • Fails to pay close attention to detail

 • Difficulty organizing tasks or activities

 • Appears not to listen when spoken to directly

 • Fails to follow through on instructions or finish assigned work

 • Avoids or dislikes activities that require sustained mental effort

 • Experiences frequent forgetfulness in daily activities

 • Frequently loses things required for tasks and activities



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