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Diagnosis of impaired activity and attention
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Currently, standardized diagnostic criteria have been developed, which are lists of the most characteristic and clearly traceable signs of this disorder.
- Behavioral problems should have an early onset (at the age of 6 years) and a long duration.
- Disorders require abnormal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
- Symptoms should be noted in more than one situation (at home, at school, clinic).
- Symptoms are detected by direct observation and are not caused by other disorders, such as autism, affective disorder, etc.
Inattention
At least six symptoms of inattention are revealed in the degree of severity, which indicates poor adaptability and is not consistent with the level of development of the child.
- Often manifested inability to follow the details or committing careless mistakes in the school curriculum, work.
- It is often not possible to maintain focus on assignments or in game activity.
- Often the child does not listen to what they say.
- The child is often not able to follow instructions or complete daily activities and duties in the workplace (not because of opposition or lack of understanding of the instructions).
- Often disrupted the organization of tasks and activities.
- The child often avoids or dislikes tasks that require constant mental effort.
- Often loses the things needed to complete tasks.
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Forgetful in daily activities.
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Hyperactivity
At least three symptoms of hyperactivity persist in such a degree, which indicates a poor adaptability of the child and is not consistent with the level of its development.
- The child often moves his arms or legs restlessly or fidgets in place.
- Leaves his place in the class or in another situation when it is necessary to stay in place.
- Often begins to run or climb where it is inappropriate.
- Often inadequately noisy in games or having difficulty in quiet leisure activities.
- Detects the persistent nature of excessive motor activity, which is not significantly affected by the social situation and requirements.
Impulsiveness
For at least 6 months, at least one of the symptoms of impulsiveness persists to a degree that indicates poor adaptability and is not consistent with the level of development of the child.
- The child often gives answers before the questions are completed.
- Often not able to wait in lines, wait for their turn in games or group situations.
- Often talks too much without an adequate response to social constraints.
It should be borne in mind that when you first visit the doctor, many children do not detect their inherent hyperactivity. Therefore, the diagnosis should be based not only on the general clinical impression, but also the analysis of information received from parents, teachers, educators, and the results of psychological research.