Attention disorders, anxiety, and depression tend to be diagnosed more frequently in these patients.
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (314.0X) A child can be diagnosed with ADHD when they have elements of either inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms need to last at least six months before the diagnosis can be made. The symptoms must also be inconsistent with the individual’s developmental level and should negatively affect social relationships, academic achievement, or occupational proficiency. They cannot be a phenomenon of oppositional behavior, hostility, defiance, or an inability to understand instructions. Older adolescents and adults must have at least five symptoms to make the diagnosis. With inattention, six or more symptoms must be present, including the following: I. Fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes at work or school. J. Has difficulty sustaining attention in both work and play (especially reading, lectures, and conversations). K. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (seems distracted without any obvious distractions). L. Doesn’t follow through on instructions or fails to finish duties or schoolwork. M. Difficulty managing sequential tasks and cannot keep belongings in order or is disorganized. N. Avoids or dislikes tasks that involve a sustained mental effort. O. Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (and is prone to losing about anything). P. Is easily distracted by external stimuli or internal unrelated thoughts. Q. Is highly forgetful when it comes to daily activities (like appointments, chores, returning calls, and bill-paying).
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