The Diagnosis of ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is what’s known as a spectrum disorder. It is a developmental disorder of children. However it affects adults too.
In fact, ADHD is probably under diagnosed in adults. There is no one thing that you can say diagnoses ADHD. It is a combination of things which depends on whether you’re male or female. For example, if you’re a male, these things could include impulsivity, inability to complete tasks and fidgeting. It can also include being very outward in your actions and behaviour and blurting a lot. These are the sorts of typical features in young boys, and indeed, in men, who have had an ADHD diagnosis.
In women, it tends to be more lack of attention. So inattention is also part of the syndrome and women with ADHD diagnosis are often less impulsive, but more inattentive. You really need to properly assess before giving a Diagnosis of ADHD. It has to be first assessed by your GP, and if your GP is concerned from a developmental paediatrician.
Dr Norman Swan, Physician and Journalist
