ADHD Assessment
Research has demonstrated that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis. Although precise causes have not yet been identified, there is no longer debate that heredity makes the largest contribution to the expression of this disorder.
ADHD symptoms usually show in early childhood. Diagnosis requires that symptoms are marked, long lasting; evident for at least six months, with onset before age seven. There are three primary subtypes, each with different symptoms.
ADHD - Primarily Inattentive Type:
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention.
• Does not appear to listen.
• Struggles to follow through on instructions.
• Has difficulty with organization.
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention.
• Does not appear to listen.
• Struggles to follow through on instructions.
• Has difficulty with organization.
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.
ADHD - Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:
• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Runs around or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
• Acts as if driven by a motor.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Runs around or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
• Acts as if driven by a motor.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
ADHD - Combined Type:
• Meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
• Meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
Everyone shows signs of these behaviors sometimes. Therefore, the guidelines for determining whether a person has ADHD are very specific. In children, the symptoms must be more frequent or severe than in other children of the same age. In adults, the symptoms must be present since childhood and affect the adult’s ability to function in daily life. These behaviors must create significant difficulty in at least two areas of life, such as home, social settings, school, or work.
ADHD Evaluation:
A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort. Dr. Tamargo conducts a comprehensive clinical assessment of the child’s school, social, emotional, and intellectual functioning and developmental level. A careful history is taken from parents, teachers, and the child, as appropriate.
Teens with ADHD present a special challenge, as academic and organizational demands increase. Additionally, they face typical adolescent issues: discovering their identity, establishing independence, and dealing with peer pressure.
Many adults have grown up with undiagnosed ADHD leaving them with devastating effects. Most think of themselves as "lazy," "crazy," or "stupid." Getting a proper diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly healing, putting present difficulties into perspective and making sense of lifelong symptoms.
Many adults have grown up with undiagnosed ADHD leaving them with devastating effects. Most think of themselves as "lazy," "crazy," or "stupid." Getting a proper diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly healing, putting present difficulties into perspective and making sense of lifelong symptoms.
