ADHD

Understanding ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

What Is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organization, impulse control, activity level, and emotional regulation. ADHD is associated with differences in executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, prioritize, manage time, stay focused, make decisions, and regulate emotions.

ADHD can affect both children and adults. Symptoms may look different from person to person and can change as a person gets older. Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, managing frustration, completing schoolwork, or navigating social interactions. Adults may experience challenges with organization, time management, productivity, relationships, or maintaining focus at work.

ADHD is not a sign of laziness, poor parenting, or a lack of intelligence. With proper evaluation and treatment, people with ADHD can develop effective strategies and thrive at home, school, work, and in their relationships.

Types of ADHD

There are three presentations of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
• Combined Presentation

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

A person with predominantly inattentive ADHD may:

• Frequently overlook details or make careless mistakes
• Have difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or activities
• Seem not to listen when spoken to directly
• Have difficulty following through with instructions or completing tasks
• Struggle with organization and managing responsibilities
• Avoid tasks that require prolonged mental effort
• Frequently lose items needed for school, work, or daily activities
• Become easily distracted by surrounding stimuli
• Be forgetful during everyday activities

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

A person with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may:

• Fidget, tap their hands or feet, or have difficulty remaining seated
• Leave their seat when remaining seated is expected
• Feel restless or have difficulty staying still
• Have difficulty participating quietly in leisure activities
• Feel as though they are constantly “on the go”
• Talk excessively
• Interrupt or respond before a question has been completed
• Have difficulty waiting their turn
• Interrupt conversations or intrude on others’ activities

Combined Presentation

A person with combined ADHD has significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation rather than a single test.

According to established diagnostic criteria, several symptoms must have been present before age 12, persisted for at least six months, and negatively affected functioning. Symptoms should also be present in more than one setting, such as home, school, work, or social environments.

An ADHD evaluation may include a review of:

• Current and childhood symptoms
• School or work performance
• Family and developmental history
• Emotional and behavioral health
• Relationships and social functioning
• Sleep patterns
• Other medical or psychiatric conditions
• Screening questionnaires and rating scales, when appropriate

Because symptoms of ADHD can overlap with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, trauma, and other conditions, a thorough evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment is individualized based on the person’s age, symptoms, goals, medical history, and overall needs.

Treatment may include:

• Medication management
• Behavioral therapy and psychotherapy
• Cognitive and organizational strategies
• Education and skills training
• Support for school, work, and daily functioning
• A combination of these approaches

Early recognition and appropriate treatment can help reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms and support healthy development and long-term functioning.

Although ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is not itself considered a learning disability, ADHD symptoms can make learning, studying, completing assignments, and maintaining academic performance more challenging. Some individuals with ADHD may also have a separate learning disorder, which can be evaluated when appropriate.

ADHD Care at Solidbase Behavioral Health

At Solidbase Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive ADHD evaluations and individualized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Our approach focuses on understanding the whole person—not simply the symptoms.

We offer telehealth psychiatric evaluations, medication management, patient education, and supportive treatment designed around your individual needs and goals.

If you or your child is experiencing difficulty with attention, organization, impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional regulation, or daily functioning, an ADHD evaluation can be an important first step.

Schedule an appointment with Solidbase Behavioral Health to learn more about ADHD and explore an individualized treatment plan to help you or your child function with greater confidence and well-being.