| This type of ADHD has six or more symptoms | | | | symptoms must have beenpresent before the |
| listed in the DSM-IV for | | | | age of seven, and they must have lasted at least |
| Psychiatric disorders in both hyperactivity and | | | | sixmonths. This is also defined in the DSM-IV |
| inattention. Thisis the most severe type of ADHD, | | | | manual for Psychiatricdisorders. |
| and it is the most difficult to treat. | | | | The combined type of ADHD is actually the most |
| You will need to spend alot of extra time with | | | | common among ADHDsufferers. They are also |
| your child if he/she hasthis type of ADHD. | | | | the individuals most at risk for othernegative |
| In the category of hyperactivity/impulsivity, an | | | | problems in their lives due to the nature of |
| individual must havesix or more of the following | | | | thedisorder. First of all, children with Combined |
| symptoms: often fidgets while sitting,often leaves | | | | Type ADHD havehigher rates of conduct disorder |
| seat in structure setting, often runs | | | | (Conduct Disorder and Oppositional |
| aroundinappropriately (restlessness), often has | | | | Defiant Disorder). Also, they have higher rates of |
| trouble playing quietly,often talks excessively, | | | | bipolardisorder, another Psychiatric disorder.. As a |
| often blurts out answers before | | | | while, children andadults with combined type area |
| questioncompleted, often has difficulty waiting turn | | | | at a higher risk for other psychiatricdisorders. |
| and often interrupts orintrudes on others. Some | | | | Parents who have a child with this type must |
| of these symptoms must have presentbefore | | | | beextremely vigilant in the care of their children. |
| the age of seven, and they must have lasted for | | | | They reallymust constantly be on the lookout for |
| at least sixmonths. The DSM-IV Psychiatric | | | | problems in other arenas of theirlives besides |
| disorders defines these criteria. Youshould have | | | | specific symptoms of ADHD. As a side note, |
| your child tested if you believe that he or she has | | | | speakingto a medical professional from the outset |
| thesesymptoms as described above. | | | | can minimize any chance thatyour child will |
| In the category of inattention, an individual must | | | | experience difficulties in their lives. Just keepin |
| have six or more ofthe following symptoms: | | | | mind that problems in the emotional, psychological |
| often makes careless mistakes in | | | | and socialdomains are a result of a response to |
| schoolwork,work and other activities, often has | | | | having ADHD, and not the disorderitself. |
| difficulty keeping attentionsustained in task or play | | | | As your child with Combined Type ADHD reaches |
| activities, often does not seem to listenwhen | | | | their teenage years andinto young adulthood, they |
| spoken to directly, often has difficulty organizing | | | | will be at a higher risk for many thingssuch as |
| tasks andactivities, often avoids and dislikes tasks | | | | illegal drug use, general illegal activities, overdrinking |
| that require sustainedmental effort, often loses | | | | andother activities of concern. Raising your child |
| things that are necessary for everyday life,often | | | | will involve morededication and vigilance in all areas. |
| is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and | | | | You must spend the time to helpyour child or |
| often is forgetfulin daily activities. Some of these | | | | children with this disorder. |