Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is typically diagnosed in childhood; however, more and more adults are seeking testing for ADHD, having gone undiagnosed when they were younger. ADHD symptoms can present differently in people, and there are three “types” of ADHD:

Predominantly inattentive presentation – this presentation can look like having difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, becoming easily distracted, being forgetful, losing things, having difficulty staying organized, procrastinating, finding it harder to focus, and having a hard time following instructions.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation – this presentation can look like having a very hard time sitting still, feeling restless, being more impulsive, always having to be busy, interrupting, being fidgety, having excessive energy, and being loud spoken.

Combined presentation – this presentation is diagnosed when the symptoms of both types are occurring equally in the same person.

Because ADHD can present differently in males and females, for a long time, boys with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation were mainly the ones getting diagnosed. We now know that females who have ADHD have statistically been under-diagnosed. People who may have had ADHD, but not known, may have been diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD; however, ADHD is its own separate diagnosis, and requires a psychological evaluation for accuracy.

Integral Psychological Services provides ADHD testing for both children and adults.  It is never “too late” to be tested for ADHD, as it is considered a life-long or chronic condition. This is not to say that people diagnosed with ADHD cannot live fulfilling and successful lives. With treatments like therapy, medication, occupational therapy, and other methods, such as neuro or biofeedback, managing ADHD is completely possible. 

Symptoms of ADHD can be problematic for people, no matter their age. For kids in school, ADHD can make it harder for a child to be able to focus and pay attention to the teacher and classroom materials. It can cause them to be disruptive, and lead to undesirable behaviors, because they are having such a difficult time being able to manage their symptoms. For adults, symptoms can interfere with meeting deadlines at work, planning activities of daily life, and having a hard time relaxing. ADHD symptoms can also negatively impact a person’s relationships, and day to day functioning.  

On the bright side, for some of its challenges, being an “ADHD’er” is not all bad! For many people who have a more neurodivergent brain style, there can be benefits, such as: heightened creativity, being good at problem solving, having spontaneity, having more energy, having a good sense of humor, being socially savvy, and being able to hyperfocus. But for the symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function, therapeutic support can be helpful.

Therapy for ADHD typically involves a combination of several approaches tailored to the individual's specific needs. Seeking help for ADHD is an important step in managing symptoms, improving daily functioning, and enhancing overall well-being. With the right combination of support, many individuals with ADHD can achieve their treatment goals.