Visit Doctors
Visit
Visit
Call Doctors
Call
Call
Ask Doctors
Ask
Ask
Feed
Home
What are the main symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
May 4, 2013

Dr. Jean Esso Anesthesiology
Some of the most common symptoms of ADD include trouble maintaining attention to details, making what appear to be careless mistakes in work product or schoolwork, trouble sustaining attention to tasks or conversations, high levels of distractibility, trouble following directions, forgetfulness, poor organizational skills, trouble following through with projects or seeing a project to its end, and high incidence of misplacing or losing things.
 • 
Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
ADD (old term) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs in 3-7% of school age children who exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or both, in 2 or more situations (school, home,...). Diagnosis is made no later than 7 years of age. It has 3 types : 1/predominantly hyperactive, 2/predominantly inattentive, 3/combined.
1/inattention: 6 or more symptoms of inattention must be present for 6 or more months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with stage of development :
A- often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work or other activities
B- often has difficulty in sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
C- often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
D- often avoids or intensely dislikes activities that require sustained mental effort (school work, homework...)
E- often loses tools necessary for tasks or activities (assignment, books, pencils...)
F- often is distracted by external stimuli
G- often is forgetful in daily activities

2- Hyperactive/Impulsive type: must have 4 or more of the following for at least 6 months to an extent that is maladaptive and inconsistent with stage of development :
A- hyperactivity that manifests as being fidgety with hands or feet and squirming in seat
B- hyperactivity that manifests in running around or climbing excessively in situations where this is inappropriate
C- hyperactivity that manifests in difficulty in playing quietly
D- impulsive: blurts out answer to question before question has been completed
E- impulsive : shows difficulty waiting in lines or awaiting turn in games or group activities.
 •