ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
What is ADHD/ADD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as ADD (attention deficit disorder), is a developmental and neurological condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults. It is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. Students with ADHD may have significantly lower grades, are more likely to have academic and behavioral problems, experience more social difficulties, and struggle at home and/or work. ADHD is an executive functioning disorder, which means it impacts every area of your life. Executive functioning problems, which involve higher-level cognitive activities necessary to succeed in academic and occupational settings, include things such as planning, organization, time management, and productivity. Problems with emotional regulation are also common.
While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, 76% of ADHD is thought to run in families. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful school and career paths and emotionally healthy life. Undiagnosed ADHD often leads to anxiety and depression, resulting from repeated failure despite one's best efforts. It is typically noticed during early childhood, with at least some symptoms present prior to age 12.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 10 children in the United States is affected by this disorder. ADHD is considered a lifelong condition; however, the symptoms and challenges may change over the lifetime. For example, a young child with ADHD may present as more hyperactive, but as they mature, they are more likely to struggle primarily with symptoms of inattention, although they may still display some signs of hyperactivity/restlessness.
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in childhood because many of the symptoms, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity, can be developmentally appropriate behaviors in younger children. However, as children with ADHD reach their teenage years, the symptoms often become more noticeable and problematic, leading to a higher likelihood of diagnosis.
Here are some reasons why ADHD may not get diagnosed until teenage years:
Symptom presentation: The symptoms of ADHD may present differently in children of different ages. For example, young children with ADHD may exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity, while older children and teenagers may experience more difficulties with organization, time management, and academic performance.
Developmental differences: Children with ADHD may develop at a different rate than their peers, leading to differences in symptom presentation and severity. This can make it difficult to diagnose ADHD until the child reaches a stage where the symptoms become more problematic.
Co-occurring conditions: ADHD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can mask or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Lack of awareness: Many people, including parents, teachers, and healthcare providers, may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of ADHD, leading to a lack of appropriate screening and diagnosis.
Stigma: There may be a stigma associated with mental health conditions like ADHD, which can make it difficult for people to seek help or for healthcare providers to make a diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for those affected by the disorder. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
For more information, check out the Symptoms and Diagnosis guide from CDC here.
ADHD in Adults
ADHD isn't just a childhood condition, but also a disorder that persists into adulthood. While symptoms of hyperactivity/restlessness decrease with age, symptoms of inattention and executive functioning challenges (such as managing time, planning, prioritizing) often remain. Un-diagnosed and/or untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on the individual’s daily life, career, health, and relationships.
ADHD symptoms in adults can be similar to those in children, but they may present differently due to the demands and responsibilities of adulthood. Here are some common symptoms of ADHD in adults:
Inattention: Adults with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, follow through on instructions, and complete work on time. They may also have difficulty with organization and time management.
Hyperactivity: Some adults with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. They may also engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as excessive gambling or substance abuse.
Emotional dysregulation: Adults with ADHD may struggle with emotional regulation, experiencing intense and unpredictable mood swings, irritability, and impulsivity.
Poor memory: Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with short-term memory, forgetfulness, and distractibility. They may also struggle with recalling details, such as names, dates, or deadlines.
Relationship difficulties: Adults with ADHD may struggle with maintaining relationships, including romantic relationships, due to issues with communication, inattention, and impulsivity.
Career difficulties: Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with work performance, time management, and staying organized. They may also struggle with completing tasks on time or maintaining a consistent work schedule.
Co-occurring conditions: Adults with ADHD are more likely to have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to note that not all adults with ADHD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary in severity. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
ADHD in Girls and Women
Girls and women with ADHD more often have the Inattentive Type, without the hyperactivity or impulsivity, thus leading to misdiagnosis of stress, anxiety, or another condition. In addition, ADHD can present differently in women compared to men. The symptoms of ADHD in women can be more subtle and harder to recognize, making it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms of ADHD in women:
Inattention: Women with ADHD may struggle with paying attention and completing tasks, leading to difficulties with work or school. They may also experience forgetfulness and have a hard time remembering important details.
Emotional dysregulation: Women with ADHD may struggle with emotional regulation and experience intense mood swings, irritability, and impulsivity. They may also have difficulty managing stress and anxiety.
Hyperactivity: Women with ADHD may exhibit restlessness and have difficulty sitting still. However, this symptom may not be as noticeable as it is in men with ADHD.
Relationship difficulties: Women with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining relationships due to communication issues, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. They may also struggle with social skills and making and keeping friends.
Self-esteem issues: Women with ADHD may have low self-esteem and struggle with feelings of inadequacy. They may also feel misunderstood or unsupported by others.
Organization and time management difficulties: Women with ADHD may have difficulty with organization and time management, leading to cluttered spaces and difficulty meeting deadlines.
Co-occurring conditions: Women with ADHD may be more likely to have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to note that not all women with ADHD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary in severity. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
If you are an adult woman and suspect you may have Attention Deficit Disorder, take this screening test. This is a screening test for girls.
Please note, this is not meant to serve as a diagnostic tool, but may indicate if there is enough concern to warrant a professional opinion.
Assessment of ADHD
Assessment for ADHD must be approached carefully. The reason is because the symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and restlessness may be linked to many other disorders and underlying causes. A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment is recommended as it evaluates all the cognitive domains including: intellectual, achievement, attention and working memory, language functioning, visual spatial functioning, executive functioning, and emotional behavioral development. Evaluation of this last area is important because cognitive disorders such as ADHD have an impact on a person's self confidence, which can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, etc. Understanding that there is an underlying cause to internalized or externalized symptoms is often life changing feedback for an individual that may struggle with anxiety, depression, or addiction.
Testing is comprehensive and typically causes cognitive fatigue. Therefore, it often takes place over 2-3 sessions to assure for best performance. For more information about the process, please click here. When evaluating for ADHD, our clinicians are simultaneously evaluating and ruling out other issues that cause attention deficit, including:
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Substance Abuse
Post Concussion Symptoms
Sensory Integration Problems
Sleep Disturbances
Learning Disabilities
Diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough assessment and professional opinion is necessary for diagnosis. We specialize in assessment of children and adults with ADHD. If you suspect that you or your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you can take this Child Screener test or the Adult screener test. Please note, this is not meant to serve as a diagnostic tool, but may indicate if there is enough concern to warrant a professional opinion.
So you or your child has ADHD.... What's the next step?
Although ADHD is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be effectively managed and improved through a variety of techniques. Now that you have discovered that you or your child has ADHD, the nest step is to create an individualized treatment plan. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, coaching, and medication. With your psychologist you can discuss the different methods for counseling and behavior management at home. Some of the common treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness training, parent training, behavioral training/rewards system at home, and diet and exercise.
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) (www.chadd.org): CHADD is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with ADHD and their families.
A great resource for those with ADHD as well as their families: https://www.additudemag.com/
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association: (www.add.org). This website has a wealth of resources, including a searchable directory of support groups and professionals.