As an Outpatient therapist, I work with clients that come in with a wide array of diagnoses. However when I sit back and look at the clients I work with the most, the diagnosis that is most prevalent is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.
Per the DSM-V Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has 3 subtypes: 1) predominately inattentive presentation; 2) predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation; or 3) combined type.
There are 9 symptoms of inattentive type:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in work, school work, or other activities
- Often has difficulty 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 school work, chores, or other duties in the work place.
- Often has difficulty in organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that required a sustained mental effort
- Often loses things necessary for tasks for activities
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Is often forgetful of daily activities
There are 9 symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive type:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or squirms in seat
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
- Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”
- Often talks excessively
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- Often has difficulty awaiting turn
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others
If you or someone you know is suffering from ADHD and needs help please contact the Youth Crisis Center Hopeline at 1-877-720-0007 or 904-725-6662.