What is ADHD?
Summary
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from differences in brain development during critical stages.
Diagnosis of ADHD involves meeting specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5, including persistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
ADHD can be categorised into three types: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.
ADHD can be mistaken for other conditions and vice versa such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and learning disabilities due to overlapping symptoms.
Accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals with expertise in ADHD and related conditions.
ADHD and neurodiversity have gained attention due to increased awareness, diagnosis, research advancements, changing societal attitudes, advocacy, legal and policy changes, recognition of strengths, and media representation.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Attention in Psychology is a state of consciousness in which a person can respond to a stimulus or stimuli; Deficit refers to “lack thereof” or “less thereof”; Hyperactivity means having increased mental, behavioural or physical actions; and finally, the term “disorder” is a way to describe a group of symptoms involving abnormal behaviours or physiological conditions, distress, or disruption of functioning.
ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder, and Neurodevelopment refers to the brain's development of neurological pathways that influence performance or functioning (e.g., intellectual functioning, reading ability, social skills, memory, attention or focus skills). When you learn to do anything, you are improving neurodevelopment. That is to say, ADHD symptoms and associated behaviours and traits are the result of a person's brain developing differently during the critical stages of development before they were born or as a very young child. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.
Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD (DSM-5)
I. A persistent pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterised by six or more symptoms for at least six months of Inattention and Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
II. Several symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
III. There must be clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.
IV. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. They are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication, or withdrawal).
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
Types of ADHD
Inattentive Type
Predominantly inattentive type: characterised by symptoms of inattention but with few or no symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: characterised by symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but with few or no symptoms of inattention.
Combined Type
Finally, Where characteristics are Combined so symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are significant.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Assessment and Diagnosis of ADHD
ADHD is can be mistaken for several other conditions due to overlapping symptoms and shared characteristics. These include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), sleep disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), intellectual disabilities, and certain medical conditions. And on the other hand, symptoms of these disorders can resemble those of ADHD symptoms, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
Comprehensive assessment and differential diagnosis requires careful evaluation by professionals with expertise in ADHD and related conditions, considering the individual's symptoms, developmental history, functional impairment, and comorbidities. Collaboration among healthcare providers is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Growing attention
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and neurodiversity have been gaining attention in recent years for several reasons:
Increased awareness and understanding
Increased diagnosis
Advancements in research
Changing Societal Attitudes
Advocacy
Legal and policy changes
Recognition of ADHD strengths and talents
Media and social media representation
Global initiatives
In conclusion, ADHD and neurodiversity represent a complex field that continues to shape our understanding of brain development, cognition, and human diversity. While challenges persist in accurately diagnosing and supporting individuals with ADHD, increased awareness, research, and advocacy efforts are driving positive changes in how society perceives and accommodates neurodiverse individuals.
