There are basically three different stages when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The first stage is the predominantly inattentive stage. The second stage is the combined hyperactive and impulsive stage. The third stage of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive stage. Each of these stages involves different symptoms and different experiences depending on the child or adult that is suffering from it.
With the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive stage, most of the symptoms are in the hyperactivity and impulsivity categories. Fewer than six inattention symptoms may be present, though typically there will still be some level of inattention present, at least to some degree.
With the predominantly inattentive stage, at least six symptoms are present in the inattention category, and less than six symptoms are found in the hyperactivity and impulsivity category. Hyperactivity and impulsivity will still likely be present, at least to some degree. Children that fall into this subtype are typically going to act out less or have fewer difficulties with getting along with others. They may be able to sit quietly, but they are not likely paying any attention to whatever it is that they are doing. They may be overlooked as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder because teachers and parents may not realize that anything is wrong.
The third stage is the combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive stage of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Here the child has six or more symptoms relating to the inattention category as well as six or more symptoms that relate to the hyperactivity and impulsivity category. Most of all the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have this specific type of the disorder.
Understanding the different stages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is vitally important in properly diagnosing a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and getting them the help that they need.