ADHD Clinical Features - DRHC Dubai Psychiatry Clinic

Clinical Presentation:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects children but can also persist into adolescence and adulthood. It is characterized by a range of clinical features which can be categorized into two main subtypes

• Predominantly Inattentive and pre dominantly
• Hyperactive-impulsive: many individuals may exhibit symptoms from both subtypes.

Comprehensive ADHD clinical features and effective treatment options at DRHC, Our expert psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing and managing ADHD

Core Symptoms of ADHD:

Inattention Symptoms:

• difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities, especially those that require focus or sustained mental effort (difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).
• Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate, difficulty in giving to close attention to details).
• Difficulty in following instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily distracted).
• Struggles with organization and task management (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; frequently losing necessary items like keys, books, or homework; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).
• Avoidance or reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).
• Appears to not listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
• Frequently easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
• Often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

Hyperactivity Symptoms:

• Inability to stay seated in situations where it is expected, like in school or at work (e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).
• Appears to be often ‘on the go’, ‘acting as if’, ‘driven by a motor’ (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).
• Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet or squirms in seat. when it is inappropriate or necessary to remain still (adults, persistently feeling restless).
• Frequently talks excessively and at a faster rate (increased rate of speech, increased speech output).
• Blurting out answers before questions are completed or completing others' sentences. (e.g., completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).
• Difficulty in waiting for one's turn in games or group situations (impatience) difficulty waiting his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).
• Intruding or interrupting others' conversations or games (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; Management of ADHD – may intrude into or take over what others are doing).

Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Difficulty in delaying immediate gratification for future rewards.
• Difficulty in inhibiting inappropriate comments or actions (e.g., difficulty controlling what they say, make inappropriate or tactless comments, difficulties in social communication).
• Frequently ‘act on a whim’, ‘acting without thinking’; making hasty decisions without considering the potential outcomes or consequences; (e.g., problems at school, work, or in relationships).
• Immediate or impulsive reaction to emotional stimuli without thinking of consequences, (e.g., impulsive outbursts of anger, frustration, or excitement).
• Engaging in risk-taking behaviours without considering the potential dangers, (e.g., reckless driving, substance abuse, or engaging in dangerous physical activities).
• Impulsive financial behaviours (e.g., spending excessively, difficulties with budgeting, difficulty in saving money).

Additional Symptoms:

• Executive Function Deficits: Poor time management and planning, difficulty in organizing tasks and materials, problems with setting and achieving goals, struggles in following through on tasks.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Impaired emotional control, leading to mood lability, difficulty managing frustration and anger, low self-esteem and self-worth issues.
• Academic and Occupational Challenges: lower academic performance due to inattention and disorganization, difficulty with maintaining employment and meeting work expectations.
• Relationship Issues: trouble with forming and maintaining relationships, social difficulties, often due to impulsive behaviours or inappropriate comments.

It's important to note that the severity and specific combination of these features maybe variable from person to person. A diagnosis of ADHD is typically made based on the presence of these clinical features and their impact on daily functioning. These symptoms should be present for at least six months, must be disruptive and inappropriate for the individual's developmental level and should manifest in more than one setting, such as at home, school, or work.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any combination of above symptoms, or is suspected to have ADHD, please seek a professional evaluation and guidance with best psychiatry doctor at Dr Rami Hamed Center for evaluation and management, Call +97142798200 to Schedule Your Appointment Today.