ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Evaluation & Diagnosis
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in early childhood and may persist into adulthood. Colloquially, the term ADHD has been semantically linked to hyperactivity issues whereas the sister term ADD, or attention deficit disorder, has been semantically linked to inattention issues. In recent years, these terms have been clinically updated and amended.
ADHD should be more appropriately thought of as an 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. Thus, there exists these three official diagnoses under the ADHD category:
- ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive
- ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive
- ADHD-Combined
The ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation has replaced the outdated diagnosis formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This diagnosis is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for inattention but not for hyperactivity. While ADD might still be used socially outside of the clinical world, the actual diagnosis is called ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive (see our other page specifically addressing ADD and the switch to ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive here). The ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive presentation has replaced using the term ADHD to only indicate hyperactivity. This diagnosis is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity but not for inattention. The ADHD-Combined presentation is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity.
What are the signs of ADHD?
An individual with an ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation may experience:
- Difficulty focusing for a significant period of time on tasks that are of personal interest,
- May find that they are easily distracted,
- May have difficulty recalling what they just saw or heard,
- May frequently misplace everyday objects, and
- May struggle with multi-step directions.
Others may notice that such individuals frequently:
- Seem to be lost in thought,
- Have difficulty starting projects or meeting deadlines,
- Have poor attention to detail, or
- Appear disorganized and overwhelmed.
An individual with an ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive presentation may experience:
- Difficulty sitting still,
- Trouble taking turns in conversation or in activities, and
- Difficulty in controlling the urge to take action even when it is socially inappropriate to do so.
Others may notice that such individuals frequently:
- Appear to be fidgeting with something, and
- Appear to always be “on the go”.
An individual with a It in ADHD-Combined presentation may experience signs and symptoms from both categories. Based on the clinical interview and test data gathered during your neuropsychological evaluation, your clinician can determine which presentation is the best fit for your case.
ADHD Test
An ADHD Test, or neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD, will determine if a person suffers from the disorder and with what presentation. One of our highly trained neuropsychologists will evaluate the appearance and persistence of various inattentive and/or hyperactive inclinations in school-aged children and adults. These symptoms may be present in multiple contexts (e.g., school, home, work, etc.) and may interfere with functioning in those contexts.
What is the treatment for ADHD?
If diagnosed with ADHD, it is imperative that you pursue appropriate treatment to avoid further decline in academic or workplace performance and to pre-empt any decline in psychological health. It is common for individuals who are experiencing attention and/or hyperactive-related difficulties to experience significant levels of frustration with themselves, possibly even leading to symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Thomson’s cognitive rehabilitation therapists can partner with you to learn memory and organizational strategies that will help you achieve your potential. Our therapists are skilled in addressing the impact of ADHD on your psychological health, so that feelings of frustration, depression, or anxious worry do not worsen your attention and/or hyperactive-related difficulties. We will always encourage you to consult with your physician to determine whether a pharmaceutical intervention, such as the prescription of a stimulant or non-stimulant medication, would be appropriate for your individual case.