ADD/ADHD

ADD, or attention-deficit disorder, is an old term, now out of date, for the disorder we call ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

There are three main types of ADHD:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation.

• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

• Combined presentation.

A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months. While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this disorder begins in childhood.

Inattentive Type

Inattentive refers to challenges with staying on task, focusing, and organization.

For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:

• Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.

• Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.

• Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).

• Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus).

• Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses deadlines).

• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.

• Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.

• Is easily distracted.

• Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.

Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Hyperactivity refers to excessive movement such as fidgeting, excessive energy, not sitting still, and being talkative. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. For a diagnosis of this type of ADHD, six (or five for individuals who are 17 years old or older) of the following symptoms occur frequently:

• Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.

• Not able to stay seated (in classroom, workplace).

• Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate.

• Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.

• Always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor.

• Talks too much.

• Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished (for instance may finish people’s sentences, can’t wait to speak in conversations).

• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn, such as while waiting in line.

• Interrupts or intrudes on others (for instance, cuts into conversations, games or activities, or starts using other people’s things without permission). Older teens and adults may take over what others are doing.

Combined Type

This type of ADHD is diagnosed when both criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.

ADHD is typically diagnosed by mental health providers or primary care providers. A psychiatric evaluation will include a description of symptoms from the patient and caregivers, completion of scales and questionnaires by patient, caregivers and teachers, complete psychiatric and medical history, family history, and information regarding education, environment, and upbringing. It may also include a referral for medical evaluation to rule out other medical conditions.

It is important to note that several conditions can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, head injuries, thyroid conditions, and use of some medications such as steroids (Austerman, 2015). ADHD may also co-exist with other mental health conditions, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning disorders (Austerman, 2015). Thus, a full psychiatric evaluation is very important. There are no specific blood tests or routine imaging for ADHD diagnosis. Sometimes, patients may be referred for additional psychological testing (such as neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing) or may undergo computer-based tests to assess the severity of symptoms.