What is ADHD? Robert D. Smith, PhDAttention-deficit/hyperactivitydisorder(ADHD)isadevelopmentalbraindisorderwithsymptomsofhyperactivity,impulsiveness and/or inattention.ManyofthesymptomsofADHDoccurfromtimetotimeineveryone.ForpeoplewithADHD,thenumberandfrequencyofthese symptomsisgreaterthanmostpeopleandsignificantlyimpairseducationalachievement,careersuccessandlifesuccessin general. SymptomsThe distinct symptom DSM-5 categories of ADHD are: Impulsiveness:actingbeforethinkingofconsequences,jumpingfromoneactivitytoanother,disorganization,tendencyto interrupt other peoples' conversations. Hyperactivity:restlessness,oftencharacterizedbyaninabilitytositstill,fidgeting,squirminess,climbingonthings,restless sleep. Inattention: easily distracted, day-dreaming, not finishing work, difficulty listening.The DSM-V identifies three ADHD subtypes: (1) Inattentive; (2) hyperactive/impulsive; and (3) combined.Thereisgrowingdiscussionbetweenexpertsthattheinattentivetypemaybetwodifferenttypes.AUniqueADDType,notyet officially recognized is a distinctly different information processing disorder characterized by sluggish cognitive tempo.DiagnosisisbasedoncriteriaspecifiedintheDSM-VortheICD-10.Noobjectivetesthasbeenidentifiedassufficientevidence tomakeadiagnosisofADHD.Diagnosisisthereforebasedonclinicaljudgment.However,neuropsychologicaltestscanprovide significant objective evidence supporting clinical judgment. In addition, impairment of executive functioning is often present.TheInternationalStatisticalClassificationofDiseasesandRelatedHealthProblems(ICD-10)arepublishedbytheWorldHealth Organization.TheICD-10providescriteriaandcodestoclassifydiseases.TheAmericanPsychiatricAssociationusedthegeneral outlineofmentaldisorderclassificationsintheICD-10andtriedtoimprovethediagnosticcriteriaanddevelopedtheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).InNorthAmerica,theDSM-VcriteriaareusedtomakeadiagnosisofADHD,whileEuropeancountriesusuallyusetheICD-10. PreviouseditionsoftheICDserieshaveusedthetermAttentionDeficitDisorder(ADD)withandwithout hyperactivity/impulsiveness.TheDSM-VhasadoptedthetermAttentionDeficit/HyperactivityDisorder(ADHD)withandwithout hyperactivity/impulsiveness.Thetwotermsmeanessentiallythesamethingandhaveresultedinconfusion.However,theuseof the term ADD to refer to ADHD, predominantly inattentive type makes good common sense.
Robert D. Smith, PhDDiagnosis of Dyslexia, ADD & Learning DisordersChildren & Adults