In the category of hyperactivity/impulsivity, an individual must exhibit six or more of the symptoms described below; some of these must have been present before the age of seven years and lasted for a minimum of six months.

The symptoms are: often fidgets while sitting, often leaves seat in structure setting, often runs around inappropriately (restlessness), often has trouble playing quietly, often talks excessively, often blurts out answers before question completed, often has difficulty waiting turn and often interrupts or intrudes on others.

In the category of inattention, an individual must have six or more of the following symptoms: often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work and other activities, often has difficulty keeping attention sustained in task or play activities, often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly, often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities, often avoids and dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, often loses things that are necessary for everyday life, often is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and often is forgetful in daily activities.

The above symptoms must also have been present before the age of seven years and lasted at least six months.

Individuals having Combined Type ADHD are most at risk for other negative problems in their lives, due to the particular nature of the disorder. Children with Combined Type ADHD show higher rates of conduct disorder (Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and can have higher rates of bipolar disorder.

Parents who have a child with this type must be extremely vigilant in the care of their children, and must constantly be on the lookout for problems in other areas of their lives, besides the specific symptoms of ADHD. However, they must keep in mind that problems in the emotional, psychological and social domains are a result of a response to having ADHD, and not the disorder itself.

As a side note, speaking to a medical professional from the outset can minimize any chance that your child will experience difficulties in their lives. In general, persons with Combined Type ADHD are at also a higher risk for other psychiatric disorders.

As your child with Combined Type ADHD reaches the teenage years and enters young adulthood, he/she will be at a higher risk other problems, such as illegal drug use, general illegal activities, overdrinking and other activities of concern. More dedication and vigilance in all areas will be required.