(ADD) ADHD Types, Symptoms, and Effects
(ADD) ADHD Types
Three types of ADHD have been identified:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
- Combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type
(ADD) ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD may have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Lack of focus
- Distractibility
- Carelessness
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Poor time management
- Lack of organization
- Difficulty following conversations
- Hyperactive behavior, such as excessive talking and restlessness
- Impulsive behavior, such as blurting and interrupting
- Short-term memory loss
(ADD) ADHD Effects
Interpersonal Problems. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, young people with ADHD may experience greater than normal “difficulty in academic, social, and personal realms.” Such difficulties can continue into adulthood and affect relationships with peers and family members as well as performance in school or at work.
Low Self-Esteem. Interpersonal and academic difficulties can lead to lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among children and teenagers with ADHD. Poor self-esteem can further aggravate the social and academic functioning of young people with ADHD, leading to higher than average high school and college dropout rates, substance abuse, risk taking, and criminal behavior.
Increased Accident and Injury Risk. Children and teenagers with ADHD have been found to be more prone to accidents and injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “children with ADHD are significantly more likely to be injured as pedestrians or while riding a bicycle, to receive head injuries, injure more than one part of the body, and be hospitalized for accidental poisoning.” The CDC estimates that medical costs for children with ADHD are more than twice what they are for other children.