Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect both children and adults, impacting various aspects of their daily lives. The symptoms of ADHD are diverse and can manifest differently in individuals. This blog offers insight into the core symptoms of ADHD, along with their different manifestations, and highlights key signs of ADHD in children and adults.
You can also read about the early signs of ADHD here.
Types of ADHD and Symptoms
There are three main types of ADHD, classified on the basis of the predominant symptoms exhibited by individuals. Let’s take a closer look below:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I)
Individuals with this type primarily struggle with attention and focus.
Key characteristics include:
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Misplacing items required for tasks
- Inability to stay focused long enough to complete tasks or play activities
- Making careless mistakes in work or other activities (with alarming frequency)
- Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-PH or ADHD-HI)
Individuals with this type primarily display hyperactivity and impulsivity.
This type is characterized by:
- Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet (restlessness)
- Inability to play or engage in activities quietly (excessive talking)
- Running or climbing in inappropriate situations (not understanding social cues)
- Impulsivity, such as blurting out answers before questions are completed
Combined Presentation (ADHD-C)
This involves a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Individuals with ADHD-C exhibit a broader range of symptoms from both categories. This is the most common presentation, especially in children.
Core Symptoms of ADHD
Now that we’ve understood the types of ADHD, let’s delve deeper and understand its core symptoms:
Inattention
This is one of the primary symptoms of ADHD. Very often individuals struggle to remain focused during tasks or playing activities, making careless mistakes simply because they’re not concentrating on the details. They may appear forgetful and easily distracted, which can affect their academic and occupational performance.
You can read about the impact of ADHD on a child’s academic and classroom performance here.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is another core symptom, especially in children with ADHD. It typically manifests as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty staying seated in situations where it’s expected.
Impulsivity
Individuals with ADHD very often struggle with waiting for their turn, interrupting others, or making decisions impulsively. They do this without considering the potential outcomes, and as a result can find themselves in uncomfortable situations.
Challenges in social situations
Social interactions may be affected by impulsive behavior or difficulty sustaining attention in conversations, potentially leading to relationship challenges.
Difficulty organizing tasks
Organization troubles are one of the key symptoms of ADHD. Individuals may have difficulty managing time, completing assignments, or maintaining a tidy living space.
Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness is a common symptom of ADHD. Individuals often tend to miss appointments, can forget the order of daily tasks, and misplace items.
Poor time management
Individuals with ADHD may struggle with managing their time efficiently, leading to challenges in meeting deadlines or allocating time efficiently. This may prove to be extremely difficult in an office environment.
Difficulty following instructions
This is a common symptom of ADHD. Individuals often have trouble following through with instructions, particularly multi-step directions, thus impacting their ability to complete tasks.
Sensory processing troubles
Individuals may be susceptible to sensory overload. Often they are unable to process and regulate sensory information, leading to sensory over-responsivity, sensory under-responsivity, or sensory seeking behaviors.
You can read more about sensory issues in ADHD here.
Different Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD can vary in intensity and combination. Some individuals may predominantly exhibit symptoms of inattention, while others may display a higher degree of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to recognise the diversity in symptom presentation to provide targeted interventions and support.
Symptoms of ADHD in Newborns
Although ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, there may be certain characteristics that manifest in infants that could indicate a predisposition to the disorder. These may include:
Excessive Crying: difficulty being soothed, and challenges in regulating their emotions
Sleep Difficulties: irregular sleep patterns, difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep
It is important to keep in mind that up to the age of 24 to 30 months, children go through regressions. These are typically associated with growth spurts and attaining developmental milestones such as crawling, walking, talking, teething, etc. During regressions, sleep patterns may be disrupted and the child may also be excessively clingy and always seeking the comfort of their parents. This is why ADHD in newborns and infants is difficult to diagnose. Nevertheless, it is important to watch out for the signs.
Symptoms of ADHD in Toddlers
Unusually high level of activity: constant running, climbing, or difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity: grabbing toys from others, not waiting for their turn, engaging in potentially dangerous activities (without realizing the consequences)
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Apart from the core symptoms of ADHD, adults may also experience/exhibit the following:
Chronic procrastination
Adults with ADHD may struggle with chronic procrastination, finding it challenging to initiate and complete tasks.
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Symptoms like impulsivity and inattention can impact relationships, leading to misunderstandings, forgetfulness, and difficulty sustaining connections.
Early identification, intervention, and support hinge on understanding the multifaceted nature of ADHD.
At Plexus, we offer customized treatment plans to manage ADHD. Our treatment includes:
- Occupational Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Play Therapy
- Cognitive Restructuring
To know more about our treatment plans for ADHD, reach out to our teams in Bangalore or Hyderabad today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can individuals with ADHD live a normal life?
Of course! Proper management, including therapy, and support can help children and adults navigate ADHD challenges, allowing for successful personal and professional growth.
What does ADHD do to a person?
ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. It can impact academic and occupational performance, relationships, and overall daily functioning.
Is ADHD a mental disability?
No. ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is NOT a mental disability. Although it affects cognitive functions, individuals with ADHD can lead successful lives with appropriate support and intervention.
Can ADHD get worse with age?
ADHD symptoms may change but do not typically worsen with age. Proper management and ongoing support are important for maintaining everyday functionality.
What is the main cause of ADHD?
Although research indicates that ADHD is most likely caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, the exact cause of ADHD is unknown. Studies have suggested that differences in brain structure and neurotransmitter function may contribute to the development of ADHD.
