A). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. It is typically identified in childhood but can continue into adulthood. Symptoms must be significant and present for at least six months across multiple settings like home, school, or work to warrant diagnosis. ADHD presentations include predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types .
ADHD Definition
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a common chronic disorder that impacts brain development, causing symptoms such as difficulty maintaining focus, excessive movement, and impulsive behaviors. These interfere with daily activities and social, academic, or occupational functioning .
Symptoms
- Inattention: frequently overlooking details, difficulty sustaining attention, seeming not to listen, difficulty organizing tasks, losing things, and forgetfulness.
- Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting turns, and acting without forethought.
- Emotional dysregulation and social difficulties are also common .
ADHD Severity Levels
ADHD symptoms are classified into three levels based on symptom number and impairment severity:
- Mild ADHD: Few symptoms beyond the minimum needed for diagnosis; minimal functional impairment.
- Moderate ADHD: Symptoms and impairments are between mild and severe; noticeable difficulties in social, academic, or work environments.
- Severe ADHD: Many symptoms beyond diagnostic criteria; severe impairment in multiple areas of life, causing substantial difficulties .
Severity can fluctuate with age and individual circumstances, and symptoms may become less overt or change form over time .
This information provides a clear conceptual understanding of ADHD, its signs, and how severity is assessed clinically .