I have a question concerning ADD

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD
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ADHD Types Using DSM-IV criteria
- ADHD, predominantly inattentive type
Meets inattention criteria (See section Al - below) for the past 6 mo

- ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
Meets hyperactive-impulsive criteria (See section section A2 - below) for the past 6 mo

- ADHD, combined type
Meets criteria for section Al and section A2 for the past 6 mo

- ADHD, not otherwise specified
Prominent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that do not meet the criteria for ADHD
In partial remission
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A. Either 1 or 2:
1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention
have persisted for at least six months to a degree
that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in
tasks or play activities
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails
to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
(not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand
instructions)
e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks
that require sustained mental effort (such as homework)
g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys,
school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
i. Is often forgetful in daily activities

2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-
impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a
degree that is maladaplive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity
a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other
situations in which remaining seated is expected
c. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is
inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to
subjective feelings of restlessness)
d. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in
leisure activities quietly
e. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
f. Often talks excessively

Impulsivity
g. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
h. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (such
as butting into conversations or games)

B. Some hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive symptoms that
caused impairment were present before age 7 years
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more
settings (such as in school or work and at home)
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant
impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course
of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or another
psychotic disorder and are not better accounted for by another
mental disorder (such as a mood, anxiety, dissociative, or
personality disorder)

Children with ADHD-primarily inattentive are usually not hyperactive. These are the kids that are “lost in space”, constantly day dreaming, etc. They sometimes are slow moving, also. They kids are often overlooked because they AREN’T a visible problem to the teacher. (Unlike the ADHD-hyperactive kids who might be bouncing off the walls, so to speak, inattentive kids are sort of lost in their own thoughts, and not behavioral problems so the teacher doesn’t notice them.)

There is also ADHD-combination type which somewhat combines the qualities of each subgroup (hyperactive and inattentive).

JulieinSC

Try Dr. Amen’s website at www.brainplace.com. He offeres an evaluation checkoff that you can do online. He talks about the 6 different types of ADD.

Donna in MO

Basically ADD inattentive type is ADD without hyperactivity. I have a 12 yr old daughter with that diagnosis.