ADULT ADD

ADD, which stands for attention deficit disorder, is an outdated term formerly used to diagnose persistent and pervasive inattentive issues. Today, this same condition is now formally diagnosed as ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation. ADHD stands for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but it should be more appropriately thought of as attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder. The reason for including “and/or” is because ADHD can present as either predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or combined.

During a neuropsychological evaluation, an adult who presents inattentive symptoms enough to fulfill diagnostic criteria would be formally diagnosed with ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation. While this diagnosis is still sometimes referred to as ADD socially, ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation is the correct nomenclature clinically. The treatment plans that at one time were used for ADD mirror the treatment plans now used to combat ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation.

Symptoms of ADD in Adults

Signs and symptoms of ADD (now ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive) can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on a task
• Prone to overlook and make careless mistakes
• Difficulty finishing tasks at work causing productivity problems
• Trouble remembering and keeping a schedule

Adult ADD Test

An Adult ADD (now ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive) test, or neuropsychological evaluation, will gauge how pervasive and persistent inattentive tendencies impact daily functioning. One of our highly trained clinical neuropsychologists will conduct this evaluation to determine if the patient fulfills enough criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation (formerly ADD). The results of this evaluation will aid our doctors in finding the best course of treatment to combat these inattentive symptoms.

Adult ADD Quiz

To determine if an ADD (now ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive) evaluation is needed, please consider the following questions. Do you or a loved one…

• Have difficulty paying attention to details?
• Often make careless mistakes?
• Become easily distracted from the task at hand?
• Miss stop signs or red lights while driving?
• Have trouble sustaining attention on tasks or activities?
• Have difficulty finishing schoolwork or paperwork that requires concentration?
• Go from one activity to another without finishing any of them?
• Frequently procrastinate?
• Forget things in daily activities – like forgetting to bring lunch or forgetting a standing appointment?
• Have a hard time listening or staying focused on a conversation?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, or if you feel there is a problem that needs to be addressed, schedule an evaluation with one of our doctors today.