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What are the effects and signs?

The core symptoms of ADHD / ADD are:

Inattention: Easily distractible, forgetful and difficulty sustaining tasks such as play, learning and work. Avoids or strongly dislikes tasks (such as schoolwork or homework) that require sustained mental effort difficulties organizing tasks and activities. Often forgetful in daily activities.

Over activity: Fidgety, reckless, socially dis-inhibited, inappropriately active (e.g. leaving seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected) and talking excessively; running about or climbing.

Impulsivity: Interrupts and intrudes, unable to “wait their turn”. Blurting out answers to questions before the questions have been completed; difficulty waiting in queues or waiting turn in games or group situations.

What distinguishes ADHD / ADD from age related immaturity is the persistent nature of the symptoms (at least 6 months) and the extent; maladaptive and inconsistent with the expected developmental level.

There are 3 types of ADHD: (1) predominantly hyperactive, (2) predominantly inattentive, and (3) combined.

Impact on academic performance Impact on social life
  • Poor concentration
  • Inability to reflect
  • Carelessness
  • Working memory impairment
  • Lack of confidence in ability
  • Poor group work
  • Auditory processing impairment
  • Handwriting difficulties
  • Poor organisational skills
  • Spelling difficulties
  • Socially ‘blind’
  • Lack of inhibition
  • Over-talkativeness
  • Lack of responsiveness
  • Insatiability
  • Difficulties reading facial expression
  • Lack of judgement
  • Poor understanding of group dynamics