ADULT ADHD

What is Adult ADHD?

ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in early childhood and may persist into adulthood. Colloquially, the term ADHD has been semantically linked to hyperactivity issues whereas the sister term ADD, or attention deficit disorder, has been semantically linked to inattention issues. In recent years, these terms have been clinically updated and amended.

ADHD should be more appropriately thought of as an attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder. The reason for including “and/or” is because ADHD can present as either predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or combined. Thus, there exists these three official diagnoses under the ADHD category:

1. ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive
2. ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive
3. ADHD-Combined

The ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation has replaced the outdated diagnosis formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This diagnosis is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for inattention but not for hyperactivity. While ADD might still be used socially outside of the clinical world, the actual diagnosis is called ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive (see our other page specifically addressing ADD and the switch to ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive here). The ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive presentation has replaced using the term ADHD to only indicate hyperactivity. This diagnosis is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity but not for inattention. The ADHD-Combined presentation is given when the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity.

How to Test for ADHD

A neuropsychological evaluation from a clinical professional is how to test for ADHD. One of our highly trained clinical neuropsychologists will evaluate the appearance and persistence of various inattentive and/or hyperactive inclinations. Patients can either present both symptom categories or predominately present only one. These symptoms may be present in multiple contexts (e.g., home, work, etc.) and may interfere with functioning in those contexts. The doctor will determine which presentation criteria best suits your particular case and describe an appropriate treatment plan to address the symptoms and condition.

Adult ADHD Quiz

Do you or a loved one…

• Have difficulty paying attention to details?
• Often make careless mistakes?
• Become easily distracted from the task at hand?
• Miss stop signs or red lights while driving?
• Have trouble sustaining attention for tasks or activities?
• Have difficulty finishing schoolwork or paperwork that requires concentration?
• Go from one activity to another without finishing any of them?
• Frequently procrastinate?
• Forget things in daily activities – like forgetting to bring lunch or forgetting a standing appointment?
• Have a hard time listening or staying focused on a conversation?
• Often feel impatient?
• Blurt out answers before a question has been completed?
• Frequently interrupt or intrude on others to the point of causing problems in social or work settings?
• Talk at inappropriate times?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, or if you feel there is a problem that needs to be addressed, schedule an Evaluation with one of our doctors today.