ADHD Overview
There isn't one specific profile for what a person with ADHD looks like, nor will everyone with ADHD benefit from exactly the same treatments from doctors/psychologists or at home/school strategies. Understanding how your ADHD affects performance at school, work, or home, socially or how you feel about yourself, is the first step toward appreciating your strengths and building the structures you need to succeed in all the areas of your life.
There isn't one specific profile for what a person with ADHD looks like, nor will everyone with ADHD benefit from exactly the same treatments from doctors/psychologists or at home/school strategies. Understanding how your ADHD affects performance at school, work, or home, socially or how you feel about yourself, is the first step toward appreciating your strengths and building the structures you need to succeed in all the areas of your life.
ADHD is said to affect 8-10% of the school-age population, but also often continues into adulthood. It is a neurobiological behavioral disorder that affects the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. This is the area of the brain that is responsible for regulation, organization, planning and other executive functions.
For someone with ADHD the appropriate amounts of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin and norephinephrine are not able to reach their destinations to allow that part of the brain to function properly. ADHD is much more than being disorganized and not able to sit still, ADDers think differently. The executive functioning skills that control planning, regulating and all skills needed to "execute" activities are weak in those with ADHD. There are other silent characteristics often affecting ADDers like: black and white (all or nothing) thinking, perfectionism or fixation on negative thoughts. It is much more difficult for someone with ADD to let go of negative criticism, especially when they receive it frequently. 70% of those with ADHD have another condition such as: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, bi-polar, dyslexia or other conditions/disorders affecting them. ADHD is a pervasive disorder in which the regulation of attention &/or hyperactivity, impulsivity is significantly different than one's peers. Many with ADHD are perceived as "lazy." "If you would only try harder..." Trying harder isn't going to change your brain, actually the added stress shuts down the ADHD brain. Only experienced mental health professionals such as physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists experienced with ADHD are qualified to DIAGNOSE ADHD. A complete and accurate diagnosis will allow you to best understand and manage your physical and mental health. Depending on the person's needs, there are many people who can be part of the support team:doctors, teachers, family members & friends, personal coaches, therapists, professional organizers, nutritionists, etc. |
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important to ensure that all emotional, psychological and educational needs can be addressed appropriately. Often times there are many pieces to the puzzle.
SCREENING TOOLS
The screenings below will help give you an idea if you/your child MAY have ADHD. and aid you in collecting more information to present to your mental health professional for an accurate and complete assessment & diagnosis.
ARTICLES
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ADHD Symptoms & DiagnosisFor diagnosis, if your symptoms persist for at least 6 months and are disruptive to your life you may have ADHD. Contact your medical health-care professional (psychologist, pediatrician/GP doctor, neurologist, psychiatrist) for a diagnosis.
According to the DSM-V (Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders), at least six of the following symptoms often apply in the inattention category: Inattention
At least six of the following signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity often apply: Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
>> Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7. >> Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home). >> There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. >> The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). |
Options For Managing Symptoms
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