FACTS ABOUT ADHD
ADHD Types
1)
Inattentive: Symptoms may include: difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, trouble with follow-through, time management, organization or procrastination.  Symptoms are longstanding and create distress in more than one realm of the patient’s life.  This type is often overlooked because there may not be outwardly visible signs of the patient’s struggle.
2) Hyperactive/Impulsive: Symptoms may include: inability to sit still, being constantly “on the go,” excessive talking, impulsive decision-making, impatience.  This type is more commonly seen in young males.
3) Combined: Symptoms of both the Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive types.  Combined type is the most commonly seen type of AD/HD in adults.
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS COMMONLY COMORBID (CO-OCCURRING) WITH ADHD (from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV):

Mood Disorders

Depression: Symptoms include the following:
  • depressed mood (such as feelings of sadness or emptiness)
  • reduced interest in activities that used to be enjoyed
  • sleep disturbances (either not being able to sleep well or sleeping too much)
  • loss of energy or a significant reduction in energy level
  • difficulty concentrating, holding a conversation, paying attention, or making decisions that used to be made fairly easily
  • suicidal thoughts or intentions.
Dysthymia: Ongoing depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not.  During this time, there must be two or more of the following symptoms:
  • under– or over eating
  • sleep difficulties, fatigue
  • low self-esteem
  • difficulty with concentration or decision making
  • feelings of hopelessness.
Bipolar Disorder: For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder, a person must have at least one manic episode. Mania is sometimes referred to as the other extreme to depression. Mania is an intense high where experiences a combination of the following symptoms:
  • euphoria
  • feeling of indestructibility in areas such as personal finances, business dealings, or relationships.
  • exaggerated self-esteem
  • more talkative than usual
  • flight of ideas
  • a reduced need for sleep,
  • extreme distractibility
The other “pole” in Bipolar Disorder is depression, which is explained above.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is evidenced by general feelings of anxiety that are chronic and tend to be disproportionate to the situation.  The symptoms are difficult to control for the individual and can impair academic, professional and social endeavors.  Symptoms may include:
  • mild heart palpitations
  • dizziness
  • excessive worry  
Panic Disorder: Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden attacks of intense fear or anxiety, usually associated with numerous physical symptoms that are extremely distressing to the patient and can be confused with those of a heart attack.  In fact, many cases are referred from hospital emergency rooms. Symptoms may include:
  • heart palpitations
  • shortness of breath
  • blurred vision
  • dizziness
  • racing thoughts
Sleep Disorders:
Primary Insomnia:  Symptoms must last for a period of no less than one month and cause significant distress or impairment.  Symptoms may include:
  • difficulty falling asleep ;
  • difficulty remaining asleep; or
  • difficulty receiving restorative sleep
Primary hypersomnia: Symptoms must last for at least one month and cause significant distress or impairment.  May include:
  • prolonged sleep during the night; or
  • excessive daytime sleep
Substance Use Disorders:
Substance Abuse:  A pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment in functioning. One of the following must be present within a 12 month period:
  • recurrent use resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home;
  • recurrent use in situations which are physically hazardous (e.g., driving while intoxicated)
  • legal problems resulting from recurrent use
  • continued use despite significant social or interpersonal problems caused by the substance use.
Substance Dependence:  Substance use history which includes the following:
  • substance abuse (see above)
  • continuation of use despite related problems
  • increase in tolerance (more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effect)
  • withdrawal symptoms.
Eating Disorders:
Anorexia:  Characterized by:
  • failure to maintain body weight of at least 85% of what is expected
  • fear of losing control over your weight or of becoming ‘fat.’
  • distorted body image, where the individual sees themselves as overweight despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Bulimia:  The key characteristics of this disorder include:
  • Bingeing  (the intake of large quantities of food) and
  • purging (elimination of the food through artificial means such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or excessive exercise).