There are two categories of symptoms of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive / impulsive symptoms. People with ADHD typically only experience some of the listed symptoms.
Some Inattentive Symptoms may include:
- Trouble paying attention to detail or making careless mistakes
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that are challenging, lengthy or require sustained mental effort
- Not appearing to pay attention when spoken to directly
- Difficulty following through on instructions
- Difficulty organizing, often lose things necessary for tasks or forgetfulness
- Easily distracted
Some Hyperactive / Impulsive Symptoms may include:
- Feeling restless, difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, tapping hands or feet or “squirming” in your seat
- Leaving your seat or difficulty staying seated in situations where you are expected to remain seated
- Being unable to engage in leisure activities quietly
- Excessive talking, interrupting others / blurting out answers before questions have been completed
- Difficulty waiting your turn