Symptoms of ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children.

ADHD shows itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than what one sees in one's peers. Only a trained health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD.

Many individuals present with both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. But some individuals may display more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, while others may display more inattentive symptoms.

Individuals presenting with at least 6 of the inattentive symptoms and at least 6 of the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are considered to have combined-type ADHD.

For the inattentive type

At least 6 of the following symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is not consistent with one's peers:

  • Careless mistakes/lack of attention to details
  • Lack of sustained attention
  • Poor listener
  • Failure to follow through on tasks
  • Poor organization
  • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
  • Losing things
  • Easily distracted
  • Forgetful in daily activities

For the hyperactive/impulsive type

At least 6 of the following symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is not consistent with one's peers:

  • Fidgeting/squirming
  • Leaving seat
  • Inappropriate running/climbing
  • Difficulty with quiet activities
  • "On the go"
  • Excessive talking
  • Blurting out answers
  • Can't wait turn
  • Intrusive

For a diagnosis to be made:

  • At least 6 of 9 symptoms of inattention and/or at least 6 of 9 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to a degree that is more frequent and severe than one's peers.
  • ADHD symptoms must be present in at least 2 settings such as: at home, at school or in social settings
  • ADHD symptoms must cause significant impairment in functioning at school, home, or social settings
  • Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7
  • Symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder

These are not the only criteria that may be used to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis should be based on a complete history and evaluation by the health care provider. Only a trained health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD.

Next: Prevalence of ADHD

Information and Helpful Resources for ADHD

ADHD Doctor Discussion Guide  A parent's guide for proper use of ADHD medications   

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Indication

Vyvanse is a prescription medicine for the treatment of ADHD in children ages 6 to 17 and adults. Vyvanse should be used as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

Important Safety Information

Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep in safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Vyvanse may harm others, and is illegal. Vyvanse is a stimulant. Misuse of stimulants may cause sudden death and serious heart problems.

  • Vyvanse should not be taken by patients who have:

Heart disease or hardening of the arteries, moderate to severe high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma, agitated states, a history of drug abuse, taken an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days, or sensitivity to, are allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.

  • Vyvanse is a stimulant medicine. The following have been reported with use of stimulant medicines.

Heart-related problems: sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects stroke and heart attack in adults increased blood pressure and heart rate Tell your doctor if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.

Mental (Psychiatric) problems: All Patients new or worse behavior and thought problems new or worse bipolar illness new or worse aggressive behavior or hostility Children and Teenagers new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, are suspicious) or new manic symptoms Tell your doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking Vyvanse, especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not real, or are suspicious.

  • Serious side effects have been reported with use of stimulant medicines such as Vyvanse, including:
    • seizures, mainly in patients with a history of seizures
    • eyesight changes or blurred vision
    • motion and verbal tics. Patients with tics or Tourette's syndrome may experience a worsening of symptoms while taking Vyvanse.
    • slowing of growth. Your child should have his or her height and weight checked often while taking Vyvanse. The doctor may stop treatment if a problem is found during these check-ups.
  • The most common side effects reported in studies of Vyvanse were:
    • upper belly pain
    • nausea
    • dry mouth
    • dizziness
    • weight loss
    • trouble sleeping
    • irritability
    • decreased appetite
    • vomiting

This is not a complete summary of safety information. For additional safety information, please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Warning about Potential for Abuse, and discuss with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.