Despite the growing number of individuals with ADHD, it's still a widely misunderstood condition burdened by myths. The fact is, ADHD is a complex disorder with varying symptoms that morph and persist through adulthood. Here are the facts about ADHD.
as “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, has symptoms presenting in two or more settings , and negatively impacts social, academic or occupational functioning.
” The ADHD symptoms listed below must start by age 12 but can continue throughout adulthood. To merit a diagnosis, a patient must demonstrate at least six of the following symptoms for six months or longer in at least two settings — for example, home and work.Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activitiesOften does not seem to listen when spoken to directly Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuliOften fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seatOften runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”Often has difficulty awaiting turnContrary to popular myth, an individual can have ADHD andIs ADHD a “new” diagnosis? No. Although not always known as ADHD or ADD, this inattentive/impulsive-hyperactive group of behaviors has been recognized in the medical community since 1902 by such endearing names as “Defect of Moral Control,” “Minimal Brain Damage,” and “Hyperkinetic Disorder.”While there is no single test to check for ADHD, a skilled clinician will use several assessments, evaluations, and interviews to guide him or her to conduct a comprehensive evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V , a skilled clinician will begin by reviewing the criteria above and conducting a thorough clinical interview using one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. Most clinical interviews include one or more of the ADHD rating scales, as well as other tests. A proper ADHD test should do two things: determine whether a person has ADHD and rule out or identify other problems — learning disabilities, , autism, anxiety, or mood disorders. Depending on your doctor’s concerns, tests may take from an hour to more than eight hours and may require several appointments. Tests used in diagnosing ADHD include:are questionnaires that identify specific symptoms of ADHD that may not emerge in the clinical interview. Answers to the questions can reveal how well a person functions at school, home, or work. The scales are specifically formatted for children, adolescents, and adults. Different rating scales are designed to identify ADHD symptoms in various settings. The most common are the
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