Developmental Disorders and Mental Health Disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence (Jurin & Sekušak-Galešev, 2008). The DSM-5 introduced updated criteria, extending the age limit for the onset of symptoms to twelve years (Vitola et al., 2017). ADHD can also be diagnosed in adulthood, which may indicate that symptoms were present in childhood but were overlooked (Jurin & Sekušak-Galešev, 2008).

The DSM-5 (2013, as cited in Klarić, 2022) defines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD:

Inattention: Six or more of the following symptoms must have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with the developmental level and directly impacts social and academic or occupational activities:

• fails to give close attention to details, overlooks them, or makes careless mistakes in work tasks or other activities
• has difficulty sustaining attention during tasks (e.g., maintaining focus during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading)
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (appears as if the mind is elsewhere, even without obvious distractions)
• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks (starts a task but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked)
• has difficulty organising tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks, keeping materials and belongings in order, messy or disorganised work, poor time management, failure to meet deadlines)
• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., preparing long documents or reports)
• frequently loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., wallets, keys, glasses, mobile phones)
• is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (in adults, this may include unrelated thoughts) or forgetful in daily activities (e.g., performing household chores, paying bills, returning calls).

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more of the following symptoms must have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with the developmental level and directly impacts social and academic or occupational activities:

• often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, often leaves their seat in situations where remaining seated is expected 
• experiences feelings of restlessness
• unable to engage in leisure activities quietly, is often 'on the go'
• feeling uncomfortable being still for extended periods
• talks excessively
• blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes other people's sentences)
• has difficulty waiting for their turn
• interrupts or intrudes on others, butts into conversations or activities, or may start using other people's things without permission.