Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD
ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Type is the "classic" presentation of ADHD. It's what Jamie T in your third grade class had, and why he was on Ritalin.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:
Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
Often has trouble waiting their turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
Additionally, these criteria must be met:
Several hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
It's important to note that all of these symptoms can be developmentally appropriate at different ages and in different settings. Most three year olds have trouble waiting their turn in most settings. Many kids squirm in their seats at the movie theatre. Every kid interrupts or intrudes on others at times. These are not signs of ADHD because they are appropriate for the child's developmental stage and the setting. In my opinion the two most important parts of these criteria are:
symptoms are present...to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level AND
there is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
The media likes to tell us that ADHD is way over-diagnosed and that kids are medicated left and right. The numbers of ADHD diagnoses have increased (4.3 million in 2003 to 6 million in 2019). Even with this increase in diagnoses, that total is still only about 9.8% of children under 18. Rest assured most professionals are not diagnosing kids with ADHD who do not meet the criteria. ADDitude Magazine is a good resource for parents of kids with diagnosed or suspected ADHD.
