ADHD Assessments

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or the old term used was Attention Deficit Disorder is characterized by difficulties related to attention and/or impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties need to be observed in more than one setting, such as the workplace, personal life, or educational setting. In addition, the difficulties are significant and impact functioning in school, workplace, or personal relationships.

Sub types of ADHD

The diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders fifth edition text revised outlines three sub types of ADHD. ADHD, in attentive presentation, ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive presentation, and ADHD, combined presentation. The ladder being a combination of inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors.

People with inattentive ADHD will experience at least six of these symptoms, including being very easily distracted, difficulty sustaining attention, avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, forgetfulness, misplacing or losing things necessary to complete tasks, careless mistakes in various activities, disorganization, struggling to listen to people even when spoken to directly, and misinterpreting instructions that are spoken.

Impulsive behaviours include blurting out answers before questions have been completed, constantly interrupting people while they are speaking, and impatience or difficulty waiting turn.

Hyperactive features include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, squirming around in one’s seat, excessive talking, restlessness, problems remaining seated, often being on the go, and difficulties engaging in leisure activities quietly.