Welcome

                           ADHD Australia Incorporated is a non profit organsiation which came into being with the aims of promoting awareness of ADHD/ADD, of making available relevant information about ADHD/ADD and to encourage self-awareness of how ADHD/ADD has impacted on each individual, be they adult or child with ADHD/ADD. This site contains information for those with childhood ADHD and for those with adult ADHD.

Please note we do not allow advertising of any nature on  this site. With the exception of Clinical Trials or Research Projects, which have been approved by relevant Ethics Committees. These Trials and Projects are advertised free of charge.

To contact the Public Officer please use the following email:

If you are interested in possible future changes in the DSM, please go to: A proposed symptoms list for adults with ADHD for DSM-V.

Jenny Allen
Secretary
ADHD Australia Inc

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General Information

                           This site’s aim is to give information about ADHD, treatments, to explain what ADD is, and offer scientific proofs that it does indeed exist.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is known by such names as ADD, ADHD, ADHD-C, ADHD-HI, ADHD-I or what appears to be the current favorite of some researchers is AD/HD. The naming of the disorder is confusing to say the least.

AD/HD-HI will not be examined on this site as very little research has been done with AD/HD-HI children. This research has involved very young children and it is suspected that as they get older they become AD/HD-C or they outgrow their symptoms.

AD/HD has been recognized for some time now. In fact it can be referenced back to the days of William Shakespeare. However, the first time it gained acknowledgement by medical practioners was in 1902.

Many doctors and psychiatrists use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose if a person is suffering from AD/HD and if so, what sub group they belong to. Over the years the criteria and name of ADHD (the current name used in the DSM) have been changed.

At this present time the DSM lists the criteria of three sub types of AD/HD. These are Inattentive, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity. People who are Inattentive only, are known as AD/HD-I, those who are Hyperactive and Impulsive are known as AD/HD-HI. Those who have all three sub types are known as AD/HD-C.

Currently there is a group of well-known and credible AD/HD researchers who consider that those who are currently recognized as AD/HD-I should be regarded as having a separate disorder. This because those with AD/HD-I are quite, lethargic, slow moving, daydreaming, confused and retiring types. These mentioned characteristics are counter to those people with AD/HD-C, for they show no signs of being able self inhibit, are noisy, cause distractions, are impulsive, active, out going, aggressive and very much aware of what is happening about them. Please see a link to Dr. Russell Barkley’s talk in San Francisco on the Links page.

This site has been set up by a person with AD/HD-C. The reasons for this site’s existence, is because this person bought a web domain address on impulse one night and likes to be keep busy. Added to this is the confusion caused by most if not all information that refers to AD/HD, in that it does not differentiate between AD/HD-C and AD/HD-I or AD/HD-HI. The last powerful motivator was the fact that no system in Australia appears to offer access to scientific evidence that AD/HD does indeed exist, in response to those who the media give coverage too and who state that ADHD is just a matter of poor parenting. This site aims to overcome some of these difficulties.

The person who watches over this site, is only too happy to receive suggestions as to what information anyone would like to see or any general suggestions for improvements and will do her best to oblige. She is well aware that those with AD/HD-C want a response, when? Yesterday of course. You are welcome to leave a message to the Secretary via the contact page.

Jennifer Allen
Secretary
ADHD Australia Inc.

 

DSM-IV Criteria for AD/HD

1. Either A or B:

A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of AD/HD are identified:

1. AD/HD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

2. AD/HD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months 

3. AD/HD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. Reproduced with permission from the American Psychiatric Association