Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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In 2015, the American Psychological Association did away with the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).  Now all ADHD types fall under the umbrella of ADHD.  They include: 

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Inattentive (previously ADD)

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Combined presentation

ADHD-Primarily Inattentive Type

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Inattentive Type is often challenging to diagnose.  ADHD-Inattentive type (ADHD-I) is diagnosed when children do not have hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, and instead move in and out of attention.  Teachers are often unaware of the attention struggles of these children because they are not causing behavioral problems.

  • Fails to give close attention to details

  • Struggles to sustain attention

  • Struggles with follow-through

  • Mind seems elsewhere

  • Difficulty with organization

  • Easily distracted

  • Forgetful

  • Loses things

ADHD-Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type tends to be easier to diagnose.  While symptoms range from mild to profound, the nature and movement inherent in the symptoms make them easier to notice, especially in busy classrooms.

  • Often fidgety

  • Struggles to remain seated (often feels uncomfortable in their seat)

  • Talks excessively

  • Interrupts or intrudes on others

  • Impulsive (verbally or physically)

  • Acts as if "driven by a motor"

  • General sense of restlessness

ADHD-Combined Type

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder- Combined Type is diagnosed when people have more than typical symptoms of both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive.

Assessment

Assessment choices vary for ADHD.  Pediatricians will often diagnose ADHD through interviews and questionnaires.  If you prefer, a more thorough assessment can be done through private clinics, such as ours.

Ask a provider for more information.

FAQ

    • Cognitive testing, sometimes called IQ assessment, is not done to determine how "smart" people are.  We believe that people are intelligent in many different ways.

    • Instead, cognitive assessments help practitioners determine how different parts of the brain are functioning.  In ADHD, working memory and processing speed are often areas of challenge.  Cognitive assessments measure these areas and help give parents an understanding of their child's strengths and challenges and how these might impact learning.

  • No, only medical doctors can prescribe.  Sometimes pediatricians who specialize in ADHD will prescribe, once they have a diagnosis.  If not, we or your pediatrician can refer you to someone who specializes in ADHD medical management.

  • No, actually the opposite has been shown to be true.  People who are not adequately treated for their ADHD will often "self-medicate".  This can include marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

    • Children with ADHD have troubles regulating their attention.  They may alternate between being hyper-focused on activities they love or under focused on activities that are "boring" or challenging.  While that can be true of most of us, the key is to look at when it is a challenge more than typical peers.  

    • Activities that children with ADHD find interesting, actually help stimulate the neurotransmitters that are usually dysregulated.  In a sense, it is "self-medicating", so focus lasts longer.  

    • It is important to remember that people with ADHD fluctuate between normal focus, hyper focusing, and under focusing many times a day and even in an hour.  This disorder would be more accurately called Attention Regulation Disorder.