Manage Your ADHD with a Clinical Psychologist in Chicagoland

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 5-7% of the population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and females and people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas, such as school, home, the workplace, and family and social relationships. It is genetically influenced and runs in families.

ADHD occurs on a spectrum of severity. Not every person with ADHD presents all the possible symptoms that are associated with ADHD, nor do the symptoms cause the same level of impairment in all people. Some people have mild ADHD and may experience only transient periods of impairment. In others, ADHD may be severe, characterized by more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and chronic impairments in the ability to function. It can be diagnosed and treated at any point in the lifespan when it causes significant levels of impairment for the individual.

ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over some time. The most common core features include:

• Distractibility (Poor Sustained Attention to Tasks)
• Impulsivity (Impaired Impulse Control and Delay of Gratification)
• Hyperactivity (Excessive Activity and Physical Restlessness)

In order to meet diagnostic criteria, these behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. An important consideration is that the behaviors must create a significant handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life, such as school, home, work, or social settings. These criteria set ADHD apart from the “normal” distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our society.

It is certainly not true that “everybody has ADHD.” According to the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), some common symptoms of ADHD include the following:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes;
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks;
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly;
• Often fails to follow instructions carefully and completely;
• Losing or forgetting important things;
• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming;
• Running or climbing excessively;
• Often talks excessively;
• Often blurts out answers before hearing the whole question;
• Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

It should be kept in mind that the exact nature and severity of ADHD symptoms vary from person to person. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD do not have the hyperactive or overactive behavior component, for example.

Common problems of living that may be associated with ADHD include:

• Poor Attention; Excessive Distractibility
• Physical Restlessness or Hyperactivity
• Excessive Impulsivity
• Difficulty Getting Started; Chronic Procrastination
• Difficulty Staying Focused and Completing Tasks
• Disorganized; Frequently Losing Things
• Poor Time Management; Chronically Late
• Excessive Forgetfulness; Memory Problems

PLEASE READ: Do not use a list of symptoms to diagnose yourself or others. Only a qualified healthcare professional can provide a valid and accurate diagnosis.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD are provided in the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

DSM-5 symptoms for ADHD include:

Symptoms of Inattention

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
5. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
6. Often talks excessively

Symptoms of Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
2. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

Presentations Of ADHD

The DSM-5 defines three main types of presentations for ADHD:

ADHD Combined Presentation
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

According to research data, approximately 5% to 7% of the U.S. population has ADHD. ADHD has also been diagnosed in many other countries. It is not affected by race or culture. ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is not limited to children. Most children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults, which impacts their lives
on the job, within the family, in relationships, and in many areas of daily living.

Common problems for adults involve severe difficulties with organization at home and work, difficulties planning and prioritizing, poor time management, chronic problems with procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention and concentration on tasks.