ADHD

What is it?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often diagnosed in childhood but may persist into adulthood.

What are the symptoms / What does it feel like?

Inattention:

Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities.
Frequent careless mistakes.
Struggles with organization and task completion.
Avoidance of tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
Frequently forgets daily activities or items.

Hyperactivity (often more prominent in children):

Inability to sit still or remain seated when expected.
Constant fidgeting or tapping of hands or feet.
Running or climbing in inappropriate situations.
Inability to engage in quiet play or activities.

Impulsivity:

Frequently interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games.
Acts without thinking about consequences.
Difficulty waiting for one's turn.
Blurts out answers or statements without waiting.

It's important to note that not everyone with ADHD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. ADHD is diagnosed based on a specific set of criteria and the presence of symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

Are there different types?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, and the specific presentation can vary among individuals. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of the type of ADHD are essential for developing tailored treatment plans that address an individual's unique symptom profile and needs.

At Immersive we offer compressive assessment, diagnosis, and neurodiverse affirming integrated therapeutic support.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI):

This type is characterized primarily by symptoms of inattention.
Common symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, trouble organizing tasks, and forgetfulness.
Individuals with this presentation may appear forgetful, disorganized, and easily distracted.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-HI):

This type is characterized mainly by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Common symptoms include excessive restlessness, difficulty sitting still, impulsively blurting out answers, and difficulty waiting one's turn.
Individuals with this presentation may be perceived as highly energetic and impulsive.

In addition to these two primary types, there is also:

Combined Presentation (ADHD-C):

This presentation is the most common and involves a combination of symptoms from both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity domains.
Individuals with this presentation exhibit a wide range of ADHD symptoms, making it more challenging for them to focus, organize tasks, and control impulses.