Characteristics of ADHD The key features of ADHD are inattention, overactivity and impulsivity. For a diagnosis of ADHD-Combined Type, inattention and overactivity are both required and must be present in more than one context. The behavioural difficulties should be clearly distinguishable from age appropriate behaviour and should lead to significant impairment in the child's overall functioning.
Inattention and hyperactivity do not always have to present together to diagnose ADHD. Children may present with predominantly inattentive symptoms or hyperactive symptoms. In these cases, we identify predominantly inattentive or hyperactive subtypes of ADHD. In particular, girls diagnosed with inattentive ADHD often present with concentration difficulties, distractibility and poor attention. They may also come across as shy and withdrawn, showing no behavioural symptoms or hyperactivity. On the contrary, children (particularly boys) with predominantly hyperactive ADHD can come across as overactive and "intense", but at the same time they are able to listen and pay attention to instructions.
The prevalence of "pure" inattentive ADHD is relatively low. ADHD is more commonly associated with a disruption in behavioural inhibition. That is, children with ADHD can understand what social rules are and may have good knowledge what is an appropriate behaviour, but they are unable to regulate their behaviour or impulses.
The prevalence of "pure" inattentive ADHD is relatively low. ADHD is more commonly associated with a disruption in behavioural inhibition. That is, children with ADHD can understand what social rules are and may have good knowledge what is an appropriate behaviour, but they are unable to regulate their behaviour or impulses.
ADHD is frequently first recognised when the child enters the school system. Therefore, reports from teachers are often the most important sources of information to diagnose ADHD.
The difficulties associated with inattention, overactivity and impulsivity should not be accounted for other childhood
emotional disorders , such as depression,
trauma or anxiety/tension.
ADHD is often
co-diagnosed with other behavioural problems, mainly Conduct Disorder, and specific Learning Disabilities .
Subtypes of ADHD include:
1) Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder - Predominantly Inattentive
Type
2) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder - Predominantly Hyperactive / Impulsive
Type
3) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder - Combined
Type | 
