Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is primarily characterized by three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention refers to difficulties maintaining sustained attention and concentration, remembering and following instructions, and resisting distractions while performing a task, as well as a lack of persistence in completing tasks. These individuals are characterized by forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and a tendency to lose objects and materials at a rate inappropriate for their developmental level or age. These symptoms of inattention sometimes lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity, with continuous and restless movements, and difficulty regulating one's own behavior, such as remaining seated. These difficulties occur even in situations where there is an explicit demand for self-control, with symptoms that are excessive for the individual's age or developmental level, and with behavior that is inappropriate for the situation or context.

Impulsivity refers to the inability to inhibit both behavioral and cognitive impulses, taking into account the person's developmental level or age. It manifests as frequent errors in tasks due to rushing, intrusion into others' activities, a tendency to excessively interrupt others, impatience, difficulty waiting one's turn, and socially inappropriate verbalizations. Impulsivity is also undoubtedly linked to risk-taking. It is important to note that the intent to harm is not a characteristic of this disorder.