08/11/2023
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
WHAT IS ADHD / ADD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder that varies in its degree of severity. According to the DSM-5, each subgroup has specific diagnostic criteria and depends on which symptoms stand out the most.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation - the person basically has difficulty with organizing or finishing a task. They find it hard to pay attention to details and find it difficult to follow instructions or conversations.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation - the person finds it hard to keep still. They fidget or talk a lot. The person is restless, impulsive and could interrupt others at inappropriate times. They have difficulty waiting their turn and find it hard to listen to directions.
Combined Presentation - a person whose symptoms include all those of listed above and whose symptoms stand out equally predominant.
HOW DOES A PERSON KNOW IF THEY HAVE ADHD / ADD?
Even though the above signs may be observed in people frequently, it does not necessarily mean the person has ADHD / ADD. It is when these symptoms become significantly more pronounced in one person, compared to another person of the same age and when their behavior starts to have a significant impact on their functioning. In other words, it begins to impair and undermine the quality of their school, social and work life.
A registered, trained professional helps determine to what extent a person formally meets the diagnostic criteria or not. This evaluation process involves screening and formal testing (interview, testing, computerized simulation assessment, questionnaires, checklists) and other assessments depending on the nature and complexity of the issue.
Assessments tend to be standardized, but sometimes customized assessments are needed as many disorders or issues are not clear-cut. This happens mostly with underlying anxiety, depression, perceptual, neurological or personality disorders.
WHAT CAUSES ADHD / ADD?
The etiology is complex and can involve multiple causes. About two thirds of cases are caused by genetics and are largely hereditary. In other words, it runs in families. The remaining cases are likely due to neurologically compromising events such as infections, brain traumas, maternal to***co and alcohol use during pregnancy, maternal malnutrition, toxins (mercury, lead) and other things that can effect ongoing brain development.
MYTH vs. FACT
Myth: Everyone with ADHD is hyperactive.
Fact: Although hyperactivity can be an important indicator when diagnosing ADHD, it can be the symptom that causes the least problems. Some individuals diagnosed with ADHD (especially girls and women) experience difficulties with inattention and have fewer problems with hyperactivity.
Sources:
Barkley, Russell. A., ADHD Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment, 2015. New York: Guilford Press.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed., 2013. Arlington: American Psychiatric Association.
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