Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is characterized as a complex mental disorder with several symptoms that can affect patient behavior, focus, and impulse control so much so that they impede regular school, social, and home life.
While ADHD is often thought of as a childhood disorder with patients often showing early signs during their school years, the disease can last into adulthood, with negative effects on self-esteem, career aspirations, goals, and even personal relationships. Common criticisms on the patient can include:
- You’re not listening
- You can’t organize
- You’re forgetful or lose things
- You daydream too much
- You can’t follow directions
- You’re easily distracted
- You never finish tasks
- You can’t sit still
For a firm ADHD diagnosis, a combination of the following symptoms must be present:
1. Tendency to daydream
All children should be encouraged to daydream, however, if tuning out becomes a recurring way for a child to escape and withdrawal from real life, they may be showing signs of ADHD. This type of constant introversion can also be an unhealthy mechanism for ADHD children to deal with stress.
2. No impulse control
Lack of impulse control is often seen children unable to wait their turn, who blurt out answers to questions, and constantly interrupt others. However both children and adults with ADHD may show signs of lacking impulse control with anger or emotional outbursts when they don’t attain a desired result.
3. Forgetful
Retaining facts and details can be very difficult for many ADHD patients, so much so remembering dates, numbers, events, or simple directions to tasks almost impossible.
4. Lack of focus
ADHD patients are often prone to inattention, meaning they have difficulties focusing on any one task (i.e., homework or reading) and become easily distracted. Many may seem rude or inappropriate when they can’t seem to maintain a conversation.
5. Restless behavior
For those with ADHD, sitting still or staying calm for even short durations can seem impossible. Frustration can show with physically restlessness (i.e., shifty, fidgety, or antsy behavior) or they may act out in anger when asked to sit still and quiet.
