What Is ADHD? Meaning & Symptoms
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a complex brain disorder that impacts approximately 11% of children and almost 5% of adults in the U.S.1 ADHD is a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions. People with ADHD have trouble with impulse-control, focusing, and organization.
Neuroscience, brain imaging, and clinical research tell us a few important things: ADHD is not a behavior disorder. ADHD is not a mental illness. ADHD is not a specific learning disability. ADHD is, instead, a developmental impairment of the brain’s self-management system. Both adults and children can be diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD Symptoms
Common ADHD symptoms include:
- inattention
- lack of focus
- poor time management
- weak impulse control
- exaggerated emotions
- hyperfocus
- hyperactivity
- executive dysfunction
ADHD symptoms vary by individual. You or your child may experience all or just some of the above symptoms, along with others detailed in the DSM-V.
At Sunrise Counseling, we take the time to administer multiple tests and assessments to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to a clinical interview, the following tests are administered.
Attention/ Mental Flexibility: (Trails A, Trails B)
Executive Function: (Digit Symbol Substitution, Stroop, Brief-A)
Processing Speed/ Reaction Time: (Flanker)
Memory (Immediate Recognition, Delayed Recognition)
Psychological Scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7)
Mood/ Personality (BRIEF-A)
Bipolar Screener
Substance Abuse Screener
Somatic Symptom Screener
Major Depressive Disorder Screener
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Screener