The American Psychiatric Association describes the three main types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
- Predominantly inattentive presentation
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
- Combined presentation
ADHD begins in childhood and the symptoms must begin before the age of 12, and these symptoms must have caused difficulties in more than one setting (like home and school).
Inattentive type
Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks
- Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations, or long reading
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere)
- Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus)
- Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses deadlines)
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms
- Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone, and eyeglasses
- Is easily distracted
- Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.
If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, we can help. Saber Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call our offices at 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.