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ADHD Screening & Assessment

More Than Just "Difficulty Focusing"

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Core Symptoms and Associated Features

The hallmark symptoms of childhood ADHD include inattention, impulse control difficulties, and motor hyperactivity. As individuals mature into adolescence, impulse control problems and hyperactivity often diminish or transform, while inattention typically persists.

Many cases of ADHD go undiagnosed, particularly those predominantly featuring inattentive symptoms. Individuals with this presentation may be characterised as shy, withdrawn, or "daydreamers." This inattentive presentation is more common in females and frequently accompanied by internalising symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish from mood disorders.

hyperactivity.jpg
Image by Magnet.me
Image by Magnet.me

While not part of the formal diagnostic criteria, several associated symptoms commonly affect adults with ADHD:

  • Difficulties with procrastination and time management

  • Poor organisational abilities

  • Feeling rushed or missing nuanced information

  • Challenges in interpersonal relationships, including parenting

  • Appearing to avoid personal responsibility

  • Struggling to fulfil commitments and meet deadlines

  • Difficulty completing administrative tasks such as paying bills or finishing reports (paperwork is often described as "kryptonite" for those with ADHD)

Important Clinical Guidelines for ADHD Assessment

The following observations should NOT determine whether ADHD exists during patient assessments:

 

  • Absence of hyperactivity during office visits

  • The patient shows consistent reliability for appointments and administrative duties despite showing challenges in executive functions.

  • The patient conducted research on ADHD before realising they fit the description of the condition.

  • No family history of ADHD

  • The patient denies or dismisses ADHD symptoms which their family members have observed.

  • High-level professional accomplishments together with educational achievements from patients

  • Early school records show that the patient demonstrated high intelligence together with no documented attention or behaviour issues during this time, especially since effective compensatory strategies were created.

  • History of childhood hyperactivity/impulsivity with fewer current symptoms

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The requirement of childhood symptom presence before age 12 is a criterion in the diagnostic process, yet DSM-IV only required symptoms to exist before age 7.

 

A detailed developmental assessment remains critical because it shows the effects of the disorder regardless of patient awareness about their symptoms.

 

Working at home
Image by Glenn Carstens-Peters

ADHD Screening Indicators

The patient's assessment for ADHD should be performed when they display any of these symptoms:

 

First-degree blood relatives who have ADHD make up a risk factor for developing the condition.

Previous ADHD diagnosis in childhood or adolescence

Patients who report that psychostimulants, energy drinks, cannabis and cocaine help them focus or calm down

Psychometric testing has confirmed the presence of working memory problems and learning disabilities in the patient.

Self-identification or family member suggestion of possible ADHD

Current diagnosis of depression or anxiety

 

In Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Undertsanding ADHD

  • Screening & Assessment

  • Diagnosis

  • Treatment

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