Testing for ADD and ADHD: What You Need to Know

Graphic of a head with arrows showing scattered thoughts, representing the cognitive challenges explored in Testing for ADD and ADHD.

In recent years, awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has significantly increased. Many individuals, both adults and children, have sought clarity regarding symptoms they suspect might be related to ADHD or what many mistakenly refer to as ADD. 

The term “ADD” (Attention Deficit Disorder) was once widely used to describe a condition where individuals struggle with attention but without the hyperactivity symptoms often associated with ADHD. 

In 1980, the DSM-III introduced the term “ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity.” That terminology (ADD) technically expired with the revision in 1987 to ADHD in the DSM-III-R. In the DSM-IV, published in 1994, ADHD with subtypes was presented.

Today, all individuals who exhibit symptoms formerly classified under “ADD” fall under the broader umbrella of ADHD. This article will help you understand the current classification of ADHD, its subtypes, and the assessment process for a proper diagnosis.

Understanding ADHD and its Subtypes

While many people still use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, clinically, it’s important to know that ADD is no longer considered a clinical diagnosis but is now called ADHD Inattentive type according to the DSM-5

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is now classified into three distinct subtypes, each with its own set of characteristics:

1. ADHD Inattentive Type

This subtype was most commonly associated with what people used to call “ADD.” 

Individuals with ADHD Inattentive Type often struggle with focusing, staying organized, following instructions, or completing tasks that require sustained mental effort. 

People with this subtype may not display the hyperactivity that’s commonly associated with ADHD. Still, their difficulty with attention can lead to poor performance at work, school, or in social settings. 

Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty paying attention to details.
  • Trouble organizing tasks or activities.
  • Easily distracted and forgetful in daily activities.
  • Frequently losing things necessary for tasks, such as keys or paperwork.

2. ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Individuals with this subtype display more outward signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

They may find it hard to sit still, are often fidgety, and might act without thinking, such as interrupting others or blurting out answers prematurely. 

Some characteristics include:

  • Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet.
  • Talking excessively or feeling the need to move constantly.
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn or being patient in situations like waiting in line.
  • Acting impulsively, such as making decisions without fully considering consequences.

3. ADHD Combined Type

This is the most common form of ADHD, and, as the name suggests, it involves a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. 

Individuals with ADHD Combined Type display traits from both of the other subtypes, making their symptoms more varied and, in many cases, more challenging to manage. 

A person with this subtype might struggle with inattentiveness in work or academic settings while also being hyperactive and impulsive in social settings.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30985833

Testing for ADHD

The term “testing” for ADHD is widely used in casual conversation.

However, the more appropriate term within the clinical and medical communities is assessment or diagnostic assessment.

While “testing” implies a quick or definitive result, an ADHD assessment is a more comprehensive process that involves several steps.

Understanding this process can help individuals seeking clarity on their symptoms know what to expect.

What Does the ADHD Diagnostic Assessment Involve?

Diagnosing ADHD, especially in adults, can be a complex task, as the condition often presents differently from person to person. The assessment process is multi-faceted and typically involves the following key components:

  1. Questionnaires, Rating Scales, and Medical Intact Forms
    Various standardized rating scales and questionnaires are used to supplement the clinical interview. These tools are designed to measure the severity of symptoms and how they compare to the general population. 

Common scales include the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) for children, Weiss Symptoms Record II, the Weiss Function Rating Scale, and Diva. These scales help provide a quantitative measure of symptoms, assisting clinicians in determining whether the patterns align with ADHD.

  1. Clinical Interviews
    The diagnostic process usually begins with a detailed clinical interview. A healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, Nurse Practitioner, or primary care physician, will ask about symptoms, behavior, medical history, and overall mental health. 

The provider will often gather information from multiple sources, including the individual being assessed, their family members, or teachers (in the case of children), to understand how symptoms manifest in different areas of life.

  1. Observation and Behavioral Assessment
    In some cases, the individual may be observed in specific settings to see how their behaviors align with ADHD symptoms. This could involve observing a child in a classroom or a workplace evaluation for adults.
  1. Ruling Out Other Conditions
    It’s important to note that many other conditions share similar symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. 

Part of the assessment process involves ruling out these other possibilities to ensure an accurate diagnosis. 

For example, inattentiveness can be caused by depression, while hyperactivity could be linked to anxiety.

In most cases, ADHD comes with co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression.

  1. Neuropsychological Testing
    In more complex cases, neuropsychological testing may be used to assess cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and executive functioning. These tests can offer valuable insights into the individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, further helping to clarify the diagnosis.

How Long Does the ADHD Assessment Take?

ADHD diagnostic assessments are not a quick process. It often involves several visits to a healthcare provider.

What Does Our Free ADHD Test Involve?

The free ADHD test we offer at The Mindful Adult is a short screening test to see if a formal ADHD assessment might be beneficial. 

The ADHD test is NOT designed to diagnose any individual with ADHD. Rather it is a tool we use to help point individuals in the right direction. 

The screening test only takes a few minutes and involves answering a number of multiple-choice questions. 

At the end of the test, the results may recommend that you move forward with a formal ADHD assessment.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

Accurately diagnosing ADHD is crucial because the symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. 

Without the right diagnosis and subsequent treatment, individuals may struggle with relationships, education, work, and self-esteem. 

Additionally, untreated ADHD can lead to secondary mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.

On the flip side, receiving a proper diagnosis opens the door to a range of treatment options, from behavioral therapy to medications like stimulants or non-stimulants that can help manage symptoms. 

Support groups, holistic treatments, coaching, and access to the ADHD community of individuals learning to thrive with ADHD.

Treatment can be life-changing, allowing individuals to navigate their daily lives better and fulfill their potential.

Common Misconceptions About ADHD

As awareness of ADHD grows, so too do the myths surrounding it

One of the most common misconceptions is that ADHD is simply a problem of laziness or poor discipline. 

In reality, ADHD is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, behavior, and emotions.

Another misconception is that only children have ADHD. 

Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. While symptoms often appear in childhood, many individuals are not diagnosed until adulthood, when life demands increase, and they find themselves struggling to keep up. 

Adults with ADHD may have learned to cope with their symptoms in earlier life stages, but as responsibilities like work, relationships, and parenting grow, their struggles become more pronounced.

Start With Our Free Testing for ADHD

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, the first step toward clarity is a proper assessment.

Remember that ADHD is a complex condition with a broad spectrum of symptoms, and only a professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. The good news is that treatment can substantially improve the quality of life.

To help you get started, we encourage you to take our free ADHD screening tool. While not a diagnostic assessment, it can offer insights into whether your symptoms align with ADHD and help guide your decision to seek a formal evaluation.

Taking the step to assess your symptoms is the first move toward better understanding and managing ADHD.

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Lisa Willow

Lisa is a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Work (BCCSW). She holds a Master of Social Work Degree and has specialized training as an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), along with completion of CADDRA’s, Evidenced Based ADHD Program for Health Care Providers. She is trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). You can learn more about Lisa and the rest Mindful Adult Team here.

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