What is ADHD?
Robert D. Smith, PhD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental brain disorder with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness
and/or inattention.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD occur from time to time in everyone. For people with ADHD, the number and frequency of these
symptoms is greater than most people and significantly impairs educational achievement, career success and life success in
general.
Symptoms
The distinct symptom DSM-5 categories of ADHD are:
Impulsiveness: acting before thinking of consequences, jumping from one activity to another, disorganization, tendency to
interrupt other peoples' conversations.
Hyperactivity: restlessness, often characterized by an inability to sit still, fidgeting, squirminess, climbing on things, 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.
There is growing discussion between experts that the inattentive type may be two different types. A Unique ADD Type, not yet
officially recognized is a distinctly different information processing disorder characterized by sluggish cognitive tempo.
Diagnosis is based on criteria specified in the DSM-V or the ICD-10. No objective test has been identified as sufficient evidence
to make a diagnosis of ADHD. Diagnosis is therefore based on clinical judgment. However, neuropsychological tests can provide
significant objective evidence supporting clinical judgment. In addition, impairment of executive functioning is often present.
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) are published by the World Health
Organization. The ICD-10 provides criteria and codes to classify diseases. The American Psychiatric Association used the general
outline of mental disorder classifications in the ICD-10 and tried to improve the diagnostic criteria and developed the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
In North America, the DSM-V criteria are used to make a diagnosis of ADHD, while European countries usually use the ICD-10.
Previous editions of the ICD series have used the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with and without
hyperactivity/impulsiveness. The DSM-V has adopted the term Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with and without
hyperactivity/impulsiveness. The two terms mean essentially the same thing and have resulted in confusion. However, the use of
the term ADD to refer to ADHD, predominantly inattentive type makes good common sense.
general.
Symptoms
The distinct symptom DSM-5 categories of ADHD are:
Impulsiveness: acting before thinking of consequences, jumping from one activity to another, disorganization, tendency to
interrupt other peoples' conversations.
Hyperactivity: restlessness, often characterized by an inability to sit still, fidgeting, squirminess, climbing on things, 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.
There is growing discussion between experts that the inattentive type may be two different types. A Unique ADD Type, not yet
officially recognized is a distinctly different information processing disorder characterized by sluggish cognitive tempo.
Diagnosis is based on criteria specified in the DSM-V or the ICD-10. No objective test has been identified as sufficient evidence
to make a diagnosis of ADHD. Diagnosis is therefore based on clinical judgment. However, neuropsychological tests can provide
significant objective evidence supporting clinical judgment. In addition, impairment of executive functioning is often present.
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) are published by the World Health
Organization. The ICD-10 provides criteria and codes to classify diseases. The American Psychiatric Association used the general
outline of mental disorder classifications in the ICD-10 and tried to improve the diagnostic criteria and developed the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
In North America, the DSM-V criteria are used to make a diagnosis of ADHD, while European countries usually use the ICD-10.
Previous editions of the ICD series have used the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with and without
hyperactivity/impulsiveness. The DSM-V has adopted the term Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with and without
hyperactivity/impulsiveness. The two terms mean essentially the same thing and have resulted in confusion. However, the use of
the term ADD to refer to ADHD, predominantly inattentive type makes good common sense.
Robert D. Smith, PhD
Diagnosis of Dyslexia, ADD & Learning Disorders
Children & Adults
