C. ADHD

Symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, persistent for at least 6 months, interfering with functioning or development, and not better explained by another disorder.

Difficulty staying on task, following instructions, finishing work or chores, sustaining focus, being easily distracted, disorganized.

Excessive motor activity, especially when inappropriate (e.g., running about), fidgeting, tapping, or excessive talking, possibly extreme restlessness in adults.

Both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria met for the past 6 months.

Inattention criteria met, but hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria are not met for the past 6 months.

Hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria met, but inattention criteria are not met for the past 6 months.

Previously met full criteria, but fewer than full criteria have been met during the last 6 months, and symptoms still affect social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Few or no additional symptoms beyond the diagnostic criteria; minor impairments in social or occupational functioning.

Symptoms or functional impairment falls between mild and severe.

Many excess symptoms or particularly serious symptoms are present; significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Individuals with ADHD may have problems with working memory, shifting attention, reaction speed, stopping actions, focusing, and planning/organization.

While ADHD isn't linked to specific physical traits, some minor physical features (like unusual eye placement or a particular shaped palate) might be more common in people with ADHD.

ADHD symptoms often become clear during elementary school. Inattention becomes an important issue, leading to significant problems.

ADHD rates vary greatly across different places and groups of people, from a small number up to about 10% in children (and there's less study available for adults but still about 2.5%).

Excessive activity can sometimes be the first sign of ADHD, appearing as an overactive child. Often, these activities are too difficult to distinguish from normal behaviors.

Hyperactivity often less obvious, but attention difficulties, restlessness, impulsive decisions, poor planning still present. A substantial number of affected children have persistent difficulties into adulthood.

Children with identified genetic or other developmental disorders (like fragile X syndrome or 22q11 deletion syndrome) may also experience ADHD-like symptoms. In these cases, an ADHD diagnosis should occur only if full criteria are met

Persistent impulsivity, even with decreased hyperactivity, remains a concern in adulthood with ADHD.

ADHD is linked to reduced behavioral control, negative emotions, and a desire for new experiences.

Low birth weight and prematurity, prenatal smoking exposure are associated with ADHD risk.

Exposure to neurotoxins (e.g., lead) and infections (e.g., encephalitis), along with alcohol in the womb, might contribute to ADHD.

ADHD has a strong genetic component, approximately 74% heritable.

Genome-wide studies have identified genetic regions linked to ADHD, but no single gene exists.

Visual and hearing impairments, metabolic issues, and nutritional problems need consideration in ADHD evaluation.

ADHD is more common in individuals with idiopathic epilepsy.

Early family interactions are less likely to create ADHD but may alter ADHD course and link to conduct problems.

ADHD prevalence varies by region, primarily due to differing diagnostic methods and cultural norms.

Different diagnostic methods and the definition of impairment contribute to regional variations in ADHD prevalence.

Diagnostic rates for ADHD may be skewed depending on cultural factors like parental and teacher interpretations.

Applies to cases where ADHD symptoms significantly impact social, occupational, or other life areas but don't fully meet ADHD criteria or any other neurodevelopmental disorder criteria.

Used when symptoms meet criteria for ADHD but clinician can't specify the reason.

Individuals with ADHD tend to have higher rates of allergies, autoimmune disorders, and epilepsy.

ADHD symptoms must be present before age 12, and do not represent a decline from previous functioning.

ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders, especially oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

ADHD is frequently linked to sleep difficulties such as insomnia, circadian rhythm problems, sleep-disordered breathing, and restless legs syndrome.

ADHD can co-exist with other neurodevelopmental disorders like specific learning disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder, language disorders, developmental coordination disorder, and tic disorders.

ADHD symptoms often continue into adulthood, presenting with some adjustment in the form of less hyperactivity, more focus on attention difficulties, poor planning, and impulsivity.

Neurocognitive impairment, when present in a disorder, suggests decline from prior performance while for ADHD, it doesn't reflect the previous ability.

ADHD involves difficulty sustaining mental effort, forgetting instructions, and impulsivity, which differs from simply disliking school or challenging tasks.

Some individuals with ADHD develop negative attitudes toward tasks due to difficulties and undervalue their importance.

Both have impulsive behavior, but Intermittent Explosive Disorder involves serious aggression, lacking ADHD's attention issues, and is rare in childhood.

ADHD's increased motor activity is distinct from repetitive motor behaviors like those in Stereotypic Movement Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Frequent tics in Tourette's disorder can be confused with ADHD's generalized fidgetiness. Careful observation is needed to differentiate these.

Children with learning disorders might appear inattentive due to frustration, limited interest, or neurocognitive weaknesses like working memory and processing speed, especially in demanding tasks.

ADHD symptoms might be present in children with intellectual disabilities in unsuitable academic environments, but not in non-academic activities. Diagnosis requires excessive inattention or hyperactivity relative to mental age.

ADHD can co-occur with autism spectrum disorder, but distinguishing symptoms is important for accurate diagnosis. Overlapping symptoms (like inattention) may be present, but careful consideration of other diagnostic features is required.