Is it ADHD?
ADHD describes a particular cluster of executive functioning challenges. Many people, however, struggle with some aspects of executive functioning but they do not have ADHD. Across social media, there are descriptions of so-called “ADHD symptoms” that are not truly symptoms of ADHD. Indeed, many describing their experiences of having ADHD or many of those who claim to treat ADHD describe challenges shared by individuals with other mental health concerns.
So what is ADHD?
ADHD is a childhood onset (neurodevelopmental disorder) that impacts attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. As many as two-thirds of children with these challenges continue to struggle in adulthood. Attention concerns can include difficulties initiating tasks requiring sustained attention, distractibility and sustaining attention on tasks, completing tasks, paying attention in conversations, organization (time, space/belongings), misplacing and losing items, forgetfulness in daily activities, and attention to detail and making careless mistakes. Impulsivity and hyperactivity concerns can include difficulties with patience (e.g., waiting your turn/in lines, interrupting others, completing others’ sentences or answering questions before they are fully asked), excessive talkativeness, excessive noisiness, fidgeting and difficulties sitting still, leaving seat when expected to remain seated, restlessness or inappropriate behaviour, excessive energy or activity (being continually “on the go” difficulties stopping). Very rarely do people experience all of these symptoms. The symptoms must also be associated with interference in functioning in two or more domains of daily functioning (such as work, school, relationships, driving, etc.).
How is ADHD Assessed?
Assessment of ADHD for most people is a complex, and involved process. Often ADHD co-occurs with other concerns. Often other conditions can look like ADHD. There are lots of brief assessments for ADHD, but they many not answer your questions adequately.
At a minimum a reasonably good assessment of ADHD includes assessment of current as well as childhood functioning through interview, standardized questionnaires, and collateral information (parent ratings of childhood, others’ ratings of your current functioning, review of documentation, such as teacher comments on report cards, previous assessments). A thorough assessment includes assessment of possible confounding or commonly co-occuring concerns, such as gifted intelligence, intellectual impairment, memory deficits, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma. Assessment also means gaining a sense of areas of possible strength and weakness, accommodation needs, and treatment needs.
Should I Get Assessed for ADHD?
Do you remember clearly struggling with a number of the symptoms of ADHD described above when you were a child? Did those symptoms show up in at least two types of situations (like at home, school, or relationships)? Do you experience at least five of those symptoms now? Do these impact you in at least two areas of functioning (work, school, relationships, driving, etc.)? If the answer is ‘yes’ to each of those questions, an assessment for ADHD is likely worth pursuing. If you also struggle with nervousness, worry, low mood, learning, and/or memory, or if you have experienced trauma, or if you are exceptionally bright, a more in-depth, comprehensive assessment is important.
