The document discusses attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including its symptoms, diagnostic criteria, causes, and treatment options. It notes that ADHD is now recognized as a lifelong condition rather than something only children experience. The diagnostic process involves comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional using tools like questionnaires, interviews, and cognitive assessments. Effective interventions can help manage symptoms and may include behavioral therapies, social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication in addition to lifestyle changes.

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder: ADHD

2. ADHD: Overview - Symptoms
• In the past, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) was
considered a condition that children had and then "grew out of"
before they reached adulthood. However, we now know that
ADHD is a developmental neurological condition that spans a
lifetime. Symptoms
• Signs of ADHD in children can include a wide range of academic,
social, and behavior problems.
• Trouble staying on task, taking a long time to complete
assignments, or having difficulty sitting still is a few common
symptom children exhibit.

3. ADHD: DSM-V Classification –
Presentations
• Currently, there are three presentations of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). These are:
• Predominantly inattentive presentation
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
• Combined presentation
• These different forms of ADHD used to be called ADHD subtypes. Then,
when the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5) was published in 2013, the term "subtype" was
changed to "presentation." For example, a person could
be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined
presentation.

4. ADHD: Diagnosis and Evaluation Process
• Getting diagnosed with ADHD is not as simple as having a blood test or
filling out an online questionnaire.
• A detailed evaluation is required. This is done by a health professional
who uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM)–the official diagnostic guide used in the United States–to
determine if you meet the criteria.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-overview-4157275

5. ADHD: Assessment Tools
• The testing is done using:
• Questionnaires,
• Rating scales,
• Intellectual screenings such as tests of cognitive abilities
• Interviews
• Measures of sustained attention and distractibility.

6. ADHD: Caution in Diagnosis
• ADHD symptoms can look similar to other conditions like depression,
bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and sleep problems.
• Therefore, an important part of the evaluation process is to determine if a
child has ADHD, a different condition, or ADHD and a co-existing condition,
like anxiety.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-overview-4157275

7. ADHD: Caution on Diagnosis

8. ADHD: Causes and Risk Factors
• While there is a strong genetic component to ADHD—researchers estimate the
percentage of the genetic contribution to ADHD at over 70%—it's not guaranteed
that ADHD will be passed down to the next generation.
• There are several other environmental risk factors that may play a role. Exposure
to certain toxins such as lead, or having some specific illnesses like meningitis, for
example, can also increase the chances that an individual might develop ADHD.
• Additionally, poor nutrition or substance use during pregnancy may play a role in
a child developing ADHD.

9. ADHD: Diagnostic Criteria
DSM-V
Regardless of the specific presentation of ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-
impulsive, or combined—several conditions must be met in order to arrive at
a n official Diagnosis:
• Several symptoms present before age 12
• Symptoms are present in multiple settings (home, school, work)
• Symptoms interfere with or reduce daily functioning
• Symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition

10. ADHD: Diagnostic Criteria-
In-Attentive Type
• For children up to 16 years old, six or more symptoms of inattention
must be present, while people 17 and older must exhibit five or
more symptoms. These symptoms must be present for at least six
months to suggest a diagnosis of ADHD:1
• Often makes careless mistakes or disregards details
• Has difficulty staying attuned to specific tasks or activities
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to
• Fails to finish tasks or follow through on instructions
• Difficulty organizing
• Avoids or dislikes long-term tasks
• Often loses track of important items (wallets, school materials, etc)
• Easily distracted
• Often forgetful

11. ADHD: Classification Criteria
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
The same age- and time-based criteria as above are necessary for an ADHD diagnosis based
on symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity:
• Regular fidgeting or squirming
• Ignores instructions to remain seated or stay in one place
• Moves about or feels restless in situations where such movement is inappropriate
• Cannot participate in leisure activities quietly
• Excessive talking
• Blurts out answers before a question is finished
• Trouble waiting for their turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes in conversation

12. ADHD: Intensity / Levels
In the process of diagnosing a child with ADHD, a doctor will also indicate
severity:
• Mild: You or your child exhibit minor impairment in functioning while
having enough symptoms to meet the criteria for diagnosis.
• Moderate: Impairment is more significant
• Severe: Many more symptoms are present than would be minimally
required for an ADHD diagnosis, along with significant impairment as a
result of symptoms.
https://www.verywellmind.com/diagnosis-of-adhd-20584#the-assessment-process

13. ADHD: Advantages of Diagnosis
• Diagnosis is the key to getting help—even if medication may not be part of the
treatment.
• There is also an emotional benefit. The symptoms associated with ADHD can lead to
feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about underachieving. Or, it can lead to a lot
of frustration over the amount of time it takes to complete tasks. A diagnosis may help
reduce those emotions.
• Accommodations at school can be granted when a written evidence of a diagnosis is
presented. Small changes, like moving the child’s seat to a quiet area or being granted
more time on tests can make a big difference.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/diagnosis-of-adhd-20584#the-assessment-process

14. ADHD: Interventions
• It may be hard to learn that there is no cure for ADHD. But, the symptoms
can be successfully managed and treated.
• With appropriate interventions, improvements in school performance,
relationships, confidence, and self-esteem are usually noticed.
• Though ADHD treatment is often associated with prescription drugs, that's
not the only treatment available. Therapy, special accommodations, social
skills, and lifestyle changes can also help reduce ADHD symptoms.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278

15. ADHD: Behavioral Interventions
• The environment plays a big role in managing symptoms of ADHD. An
unorganized and unstructured setting can worsen symptoms.
• A structured, uncluttered, and predictable environment, on the other
hand, can help greatly.
• Examples of Behavioral interventions include: Establishing routines;
Creating checklists; Using timers; Setting alarm; Creating charts; Using
planners.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278

16. Behavioral Interventions

17. ADHD: Behavioral Interventions
• Establishing routines: Having simple, predictable routines throughout the day
means necessary tasks get done without last-minute panics. A healthy morning,
afternoon, and evening routine may outline the necessary steps to accomplish
tasks
• Creating checklists: A checklist can be made for any multi-step process that
seems complicated or stressful. It acts as a memory aid and helps you or your
child feel organized. For example, you might tape a checklist to the front door
listing all the things you or your child needs for the day.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278#counseling-and-
psychotherapy

18. ADHD: Behavioral Interventions
• Using timers: To help the child pay attention to homework or a work
project, set a timer for 15 minutes (indicating a dedicated time of focus).
When it rings, have a mini-break and then set your timer again.
• Setting alarms: You can set alarms to remind the child to take medication
or leave the house. Alarms can be empowering because it reduces the
need for reminders from others. Enhances Self Control
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278#counseling-
and-psychotherapy

19. ADHD: Behavioral Interventions
• Creating charts: If there is a behavior or habit you want to include in your
day, make a chart with the days of the week. Every time you do the
behavior, for example, clean your teeth, you get a star. Both children and
adults find this rewarding, and it acts as a reminder and a motivator to do
the task. A self Monitoring technique.
• Using planners: Using a planner helps with understanding the passage of
time and what is planned for the day, and marks deadlines, like when
assignments need to be handed in. https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-
treatment-4157278#counseling-and-psychotherapy

20. ADHD Interventions: Social Skills training
• Social skills can often cause problems for people living with ADHD, as ADHD symptoms
can result in behavior that looks rude.
• Examples are not noticing subtle nonverbal cues, impulsively interrupting a speaker, or
looking out of the window when someone is speaking.6
• Another example is crossing physical boundaries by standing too close to people.
• None of these behaviors are done to be intentionally rude, and family and close friends
understand this. However, it can be hard to make friends, do well at work, or date without
developing new social skills
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278#counseling-and-psychotherapy

21. ADHD Interventions: Cognitive Behavior Therapy
(CPT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps
people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that
have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that
can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These
spontaneous negative thoughts have a detrimental influence on mood.
• This is usually provided by school counselors, psychotherapists, or specialized cognitive
behavior therapists.
• https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747

22. ADHD: Interventions- Medication
• Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD. If you or your child is
prescribed medication, it is important to monitor your symptoms and
report any side effects. With this information, your doctor can adjust the
prescription until the right therapeutic dose is found.
• The two main groups of medication for treating ADHD are stimulants and
non-stimulants.
• Common stimulants include: Ritalin.
• Example of a non-stimulant medication is: Strattera
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-treatment-4157278