Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms Defined

By: Anne Durrell

Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms vary greatly. There are no hard set list of symptoms that every patient diagnosed with ADD has. In fact, there is a list of ADD symptoms that, in combination, usually point to the fact that a person has the disorder. In some cases it can be difficult for a doctor to tell if a patient really has ADD or if the symptoms are just normal age appropriate behavior.

APA Symptoms List

People affected with ADD will often appear to be unorganized, inattentive and have trouble concentrating. However, a diagnosis can not be made on a simple observation of Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms. There is a checklist that is used to see if a person has ADD and what variation of the disease it is that they have.

This list of Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms was created by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and lists 14 symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADD a child must have a minimum of eight of the listed symptoms.

That list uses many clinical terms and can be difficult for the average person to understand. Here is an easy to understand list of common ADD symptoms that summarizes the APA’s list:

Inability to sit still and quiet.
Constant fidgeting and moving around.
Inability to focus or maintain attention.
Speaking inappropriately or appearing to lack social manners.
Trouble with following directions.
Inability to finish a project.
Problems being quiet and not controlling behavior.
Excessive talking.
Frequent interruption of others.
Trouble listening.
Forgetfulness.
Not considering consequences of actions.
Easily distracted from task at hand.

Confusion Over Diagnosis

There is often confusion over whether symptoms are Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms or simply just natural behavior. This condition is often diagnosed in children and by looking at the symptoms list it is easy to see how diagnosis could be confusing.

Many of the symptoms are natural age appropriate behavior. For example, children often do not consider the consequences of their actions. That is why for a proper diagnosis, the APA requires a child to exhibit a combination of symptoms and for the symptoms to be interfering in the child’s ability to participate in activities, including school.

How to handle ADD Symptoms

If you suspect that your child may be exhibiting Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms, then you should seek help form your child’s doctor. The doctor will likely recommend your child see a psychiatrist or other doctor that specializes in diagnosing ADD. The diagnosis will not be made immediately because your child will have to undergo observation to determine if the behavior is ADD or simply regular age appropriate behavior.

A diagnosis of ADD is usually handled through counseling and medication. However, many doctors are moving away from medication as the main treatment since Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms are far too often misdiagnosed in children that really are not inflicted with the disorder.

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Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms

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Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms Defined

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