ADHD

ADHD is the acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you've ever dealt with children, you've almost certainly wished at some point that they would be more attentive or calm. But when is a lack of attention or excessive activity a problem? Let's explore it together.

To define attention deficit, let's try to give a definition of attention. What do you mean when you ask someone, "Can you pay more attention?" I imagine you would like that someone to direct most of their energies into completing a specific task. We can define attention as a function that regulates your level of engagement in a task.

The Diagnostic Manual (DSM) tells us that we can talk about inattention when at least five out of several symptoms are frequently present for a minimum of 6 months. These symptoms may include:

• Making careless mistakes due to inattention
• Failing to listen when spoken to directly
• Struggling to complete tasks
• Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Being forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity is a term formed by the prefix "hyper-" which can be translated as "too much," and the word "activity." Hyperactivity refers to an excess of motor activity and talkativeness. Impulsivity refers to being impulsive, that is, hasty, meaning not reflecting before acting.

The DSM defines hyperactivity/impulsivity when at least five out of certain symptoms are frequently present for a minimum of 6 months. These symptoms may include:

• Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet
• Inappropriately running or climbing in situations where it's not suitable
• Excessive talking
• Interrupting or intruding on others
• Having difficulty waiting one's turn.

These conditions can manifest together (combined presentation) or only one of the two (predominantly inattentive or predominantly hyperactive/impulsive). The symptoms must:

• Be present before the age of 12 (as ADHD is among neurodevelopmental disorders)
• Appear in at least two settings (for example, at home and at school)
• Have negative effects on the individual's life.

One of the consequences of this disorder is social rejection. Living or working with individuals with ADHD can be complicated, and they may face rejection or exclusion, triggering a negative spiral that can lead to more complex disorders to treat.

Sources:
- American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

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