What symptoms characterize attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These core symptoms are critical for a diagnosis and significantly impact a child's ability to function in various settings, such as at home and in school.

Inattention manifests as difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. Hyperactivity presents itself through excessive movement and difficulty sitting still, often leading to restlessness. Impulsivity can cause a child to act without thinking, interrupt others, or struggle to wait for their turn. This combination of behaviors can hinder a child's social relationships, academic performance, and overall daily functioning.

The other options, while they may describe issues a child could experience, do not specifically define ADHD. For instance, inability to concentrate can occur in various conditions but is not unique to ADHD. Similarly, excessive aggression and separation anxiety are associated with different diagnoses, such as conduct disorder or anxiety disorders, respectively. Thus, the specific triad of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity is what distinctly characterizes ADHD.