Table 10.

Symptoms suggestive of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)^*

Inattention

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work

• Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, duties in the workplace

• Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities

• Often is distracted by extranaeous stimuli and is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

• Often leaves seat in classroom or other situation where it is inappropriate (or, more usually in adolescents, just feelings of restlessness)

• Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations where this is inappropriate (or, more usually in adolescents, just feelings of restlessness)

^*Kondo et al (see “Further Reading” box)