ADHD Testing in Indianapolis

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that affects both behavioral and cognitive functions. From a behavioral standpoint, ADHD can result in a variety of symptoms including fidgeting, hyperactivity, irritability and impulsivity. On the more cognitive side, that can mean feeling absent minded or distracted. Signs can also translate into difficulty focusing or paying attention. All of these together can result in moods that are perhaps best described as encompassing anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, and even depression.

ADHD Symptoms

Everyone is different, and thus symptoms may vary. Treatments are specific to the symptoms and type of ADHD that was diagnosed. With ADHD there are a variety of symptoms that are common and consistent – even across different types of ADHD.

• Unable to sit still, particularly in a calm or quiet environment
• Largely unable to wait their turn and be patient
• Excessive talking and physical movement (including fidgeting)
• Acting without thinking or interrupting conversations
• Difficulty concentrating on specific tasks and goals
• Emotional outburst or tendencies
• Disorganization and finding it hard to prioritize
• Inability to plan ahead or be proactive
• Poor time management skills
• Low tolerance for frustration

Often, people with ADHD feel that their lives are out of control or in chaos. Daily tasks may seem impossibly huge. Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and chronic stress are other common signs of ADHD.

ADHD Diagnosis

It’s important to distinguish between symptoms of ADHD and anxiety – though the two may be linked in certain cases. ADHD is largely about focus and concentration. Whereas anxiety is more about nervousness and fear. There are also some similarities with autism symptoms (specifically around an inability to focus) – another reason to ensure a medical practitioner is involved in your process and diagnosis.

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ADHD. ADHD “severity” is defined as mild, moderate, or severe, with each category indicating the presence of symptoms and the impact on impairment. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD:^3:4
• Symptoms must be present for ≥6 months in ≥2 settings, which include, but are not limited to, school, home, and work.
• Symptoms must hinder one’s academic performance, social skills, and/or occupational functioning.
• Symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and must not occur due to other psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety disorder, personality disorder).
• In those <17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be present for each ADHD subtype. For those ≥17 years old, 5 or more symptoms must be present for diagnosis.
• Based on symptoms and presentation, individuals can be classified as having ADHD inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or combined type. For combined type, criterion for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive type must be met over the past 6 months.³
• While the core diagnostic symptoms of ADHD are consistent across age groups, clinical presentation may differ between children and adults. A meta-analysis of 97 studies demonstrated that the inattentive-predominant subset of ADHD was the most common subset in all age groups except ages 3-5, where the hyperactive/impulsive-predominant subset was most common.²

ADHD symptoms are different in every person, and so are the effects of the various ADHD treatment options. In order for a provider to better understand a patient’s symptoms and make proper diagnosis, a one on one appointment is required. It’s important to learn more about your own situation before seeking treatment. That can be a great place to start to then get connected to a medical practitioner to make the official online diagnosis.

ADHD Treatment

Current research on adult ADHD treatment suggests that a first-line treatment should be medication. Other studies have indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy and medication have similar long-term efficacy, and that the ideal treatment is probably a combination of the two. Due to the restrictions of telehealth platforms and the difficulties ADHD patients typically experience in accessing psychotherapy – as well as the far quicker onset of the therapeutic effect of medications – the most prudent approach is pharmacologic treatment.  With IN Focus First, it’s possible to get both a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan online.

Experiencing some of these symptoms? Learn more about our online ADHD testing in Indianapolis.

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