Help CenterWhat is ADHD?
It may be obvious when someone is struggling with ADHD. They are easily distracted, unable to sit still, and constantly lose things. These behaviours date back to childhood and cause significant impairment in multiple areas of their life.
The diagnosis of ADHD is not always this easy. What seems to be ADHD may be a different condition or one comorbid (present simultaneously) with ADHD.
There are also three "subtypes" of ADHD. These are called:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- The combined type (with features of hyperactivity and impulsivity)
According to the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), there are three things we need to make sure are there before we give the diagnosis:
- At least 6 of 9 symptoms for one of the ADHD subtypes
- The history shows the symptoms were present before the age of 12
- Impairment in at least two areas, like work/school, home, and social settings
For the inattentive type, there are the following symptoms:
- Failure to pay close attention to detail
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Not listening when spoken to
- Not able to follow instructions or finish tasks
- Difficulty being organized
- Reluctance to engage in activities that require sustained mental effort
- Often losing things
- Being easily distracted
- Often being forgetful
To be considered inattentive type, you need six of the above symptoms.
For the hyperactive-impulsive type, there is a different set of symptoms:
- Frequent fidgeting
- Frequently leaving one's seat in situations when staying seated is expected.
- Running about
- Climbing excessively
- A feeling of internal restlessness
- Difficulty engaging quietly in leisure activities
- Often "on-the-go" or acting like one is "driven by a motor."
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers
- Having difficulty waiting for one's turn
- Interrupting or intruding on others
Again, six of the above symptoms must be present to fulfil the criteria for this type of ADHD.
If you meet the conditions for both categories, you will be diagnosed with the combined subtype.
Note: your experience of the symptoms cannot be episodic. They must last six months or longer and affect at least two areas of your life.
More reading
- www.yourhealthinmind.org/mental-illnesses-disorders/adhd-in-adults
- www.adhdaustralia.org.au
- www.adhdwa.org
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Please also check the most current Position statement of our College - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) relating to ADHD across the lifespan: