What are symptoms of ADHD




Do you know someone who is forgetful, get distracted easily, talks very fast? We all know know someone who we think have ADHD because of certain behaviors.

I once had a coworker who talks very fast. When I first met him, I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I draw a blank trying to figure out what language he was speak because I could not understand a word coming out of his mouth. He literally talked like Twitchy on Hoodwinked.

I don’t drink coffee.

And one times, my boss asked me to give him a ride to the dealership to pick up his car. I swear to God, I barely uttered a few WORDS during the whole 30 minutes car ride. He talked non-stop at 1,000 miles per hour about something, which I probably don’t care.

This is the same boss I wrote about on my Caffeine as ADHD Treatment post.

According to the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis, your symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity, and impulsivity have to be persistent and interfere with daily functioning or development in children. 

To be considered inattentive, you have to have at least six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults for at least 6 months and these symptoms have to interfere with your life or inappropriate for your age. 

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
  • Often has trouble holding attention on 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 (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
  • Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
  • Is often easily distracted
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities.

To be considered hyperactive and/or impulsive, you have to have at least six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults for at least 6 months and these symptoms have to interfere with your live or in appropriate for your age. 

  • 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 not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
  • Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
  • Often talks excessively.
  • Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
  • Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

How many of the above symptoms of ADHD do you have?

Wait…this post is meant for educational purpose only, not for you to self-diagnose. 

Besides, there are still other criteria to meet and testings. 

So if you have a few of the above symptoms of ADHD and these symptoms have persist for 6 months or more, and they’re affecting your social life, work function or school, talk to primary care physician for proper diagnosis. 

Related article: ADHD Symptoms or Something Else?

We all can find a few of these behaviors in ourselves at some point in time, such as not getting enough sleep will cause you to make more mistakes during the day, life stress can also result in more inattentive behaviors, etc. 

—> DOWNLOAD NATURAL ALTERNATIVE ADHD TREATMENT 1-PAGE QUICK START GUIDE

 




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Anna

Clean Eating Officer (CEO) at Malama Wellness + Hypnotherapy
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.

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