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CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD (ADD + hyperactivity)
include six or more of the following symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity that have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is
not consistent with the developmental level:
1.
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat2.Often leaves seat in
classroom or other setting where sitting is required
Often leaves seat in
classroom or other setting where sitting is required3.Often runs about or climbs in situations in which it is
inappropriate
Often runs about or climbs in situations in which it is
inappropriate4.Has difficulty playing or engaging in quiet leisure-time
activities
Has difficulty playing or engaging in quiet leisure-time
activities5.Is often Òon the goÓ or acts as if Òdriven by a motorÓ
Is often Òon the goÓ or acts as if Òdriven by a motorÓ6.Often talks excessively
Often talks excessively7.Often blurts out answers before question has been completed
Often blurts out answers before question has been completed8.Has difficulty awaiting turn
Has difficulty awaiting turn9.Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations
or games)
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations
or games) (APA, 1994). The above set of
indicators used in the DSM-IV is utilized by schools, insurance companies and mental
health practitioners.