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ADHD diagnosis

Types of ADD/ADHD

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ADD may have either a predominantly inattentive presentation, a predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, or a combined presentation.

Inattention Symptoms:

  1. Makes careless mistakes in work; fails to give attention to details
  2. Difficulty paying attention during tasks
  3. Does not appear to listen when spoken to
  4. Does not follow instructions; fails to finish tasks
  5. Difficulty keeping things in order (including managing time)
  6. Avoids, dislikes, or hesitates to engage in tasks that demand extensive mental effort (writing essays, homework)
  7. Loses things needed for tasks (losing pencils, keys, glasses)
  8. Easily distracted (both by external events and unrelated thoughts)
  9. Forgetful (forgetting chores, bills, returning calls)

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms:

  1. Fidgets with hands, taps feet, squirms in seat
  2. Leaves his/her seat often when sitting is expected
  3. Runs or climbs in inappropriate settings (or feeling restless in adults)
  4. Unable to remain quiet during activities
  5. Acts as if “driven by a motor”
  6. Talks excessively
  7. Answering before the question was finished or not waiting turn in conversation
  8. Difficulty waiting for turn
  9. Interrupts or intrudes on others

At least 6 (or 5 for those 17 and older) symptoms of inattention must be present for at least 6 months in order for ADD to be predominantly inattentive.

At least 6 (or 5 for those 17 and older) symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months in order for ADHD to be predominantly hyperactive/impulsive.

If enough symptoms from both categories are present, a combined presentation may exist.
Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

Get Started

written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Barlow, D., & Durand, V. (2015). Abnormal psychology: An integrative approach (7th ed., pp. 515-516). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

ADHD diagnosis

ADHD: How Young is Too Young?

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An issue arises when considering pre-school aged children for an ADHD diagnosis.

On one hand, a diagnosis is best made as early as possible in order to implement treatment at a young age. Early identification and treatment of ADHD could prevent significant impairment. For example, utilizing behavioral techniques early in school can prevent learning difficulties. But how young is too young for a diagnosis?

When so many children display inattentiveness and hyperactivity, it is sometimes hard to make the distinction between what is typical and what is not. Therefore, a careful assessment of your child is needed. If a child is falsely diagnosed with ADHD, there is a risk of effects from labeling and a risk of giving the child unneeded medication.

According to some professional opinions, it is better to over-diagnose ADHD in order to prevent potential future impairment. With this over-diagnosis, it is also necessary to keep in mind that about half of preschoolers who meet the criteria for ADHD will continue to meet these criteria at the end of elementary school.

Contact Dr. Gordon for a professional assessment of your child:

 Contact Dr. Gordon for a professional assessment of your child. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

Get Started

written by: 
Brianna Malinowski , 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Hinshaw, S., & Scheffler, R. (2014). The ADHD Explosion. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.