Symptoms

Hyperactivity

Excessive activity is the most visible sign of AD/HD. The hyperactive toddler/preschooler is generally described as "always on the go" or "motor driven." With age activity levels may diminish. By adolescence and adulthood the over-activity may appear as restless, fidgety behavior (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).

Symptoms of hyperactivity as listed in the DSM-IV are:

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations that are inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
• Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often "on the go" or acts as if ¡¥driven by a motor".
• Often talks excessively.