ADHD subtypes and features
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects about 25% of school-age children in Jordan. Different subtypes of ADHD based on the most prominent features. One subtype is characterized by a predominance of impulsivity and hyperactivity, while the other primarily presents with inattention. Some children exhibit a combination of both. Additionally, kids with ADHD often face challenges with emotional regulation.
Primarily Inattentive – ADHD
Presents mainly as problems with attention, focus and organization. Individuals with this subtype struggle with sustaining their attention on a specific task which can lead to careless mistakes or incomplete tasks.
Difficulty maintaining attention
Easily distracted
Misses details, makes careless mistakes
Forgetful, loses objects often
Struggles to follow instructions
Avoids/dislikes mentally demanding tasks
Difficulty with organization
Primarily Hyperactive Impulsive – ADHD
This subtype is characterized by excessive motor activity when it is excessive or not appropriate. Impulsivity manifests as acting without thinking of consequences or considering risks.
Often fidgets with hands or feet
Difficulty sitting still, restlessness
Often runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
Unable to play quietly
Often “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”
Often talks excessively
Blurts out answers
Difficulty waiting for their turn
Interrupts others
acts impulsively; without thinking or with no consideration of consequences
Combined ADHD
Features of both inattention and Impulsivity/Hyperactivity present equally in this subtype.
Emotional dysregulation
Difficulties in managing and controlling emotions effectively. Individuals with ADHD may experience intense and fluctuating emotions that are challenging to regulate and cause significant distress.
Short-tempered, irritability
Sensitivity to rejection or criticism
Higher levels of anger, sadness, or fear
Moods swings
Difficulty with self-soothing or calming
Low tolerance for distressing situations
Experiencing emotions intensely
Diagnosis and assessment
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5);
A diagnosis of ADHD requires symptoms to have started before the age of 12 and be present for more than 6 months.
Children need to exhibit six or more symptoms in two or more settings for a diagnosis, older teens and adults should have at least five of the symptoms.
Symptoms should not be better attributed to another disorder (such as anxiety as they can struggle with attention as well).
Psychometric testing, such as behavior rating scales, are used to diagnose ADHD. This testing is conducted alongside clinical interviews and observations from various settings, such as school and home. At Mind clinic we mainly use CAARS and Conner’s for ADHD assessment.
Lifestyle changes recommendations
Having a structured daily routine
Consuming a well-balanced diet and exercise
Making to do lists and setting reminders
Breaking down tasks into shorter steps
Management and treatment
Medical and psychotherapy are used in managing ADHD symptoms.
Medications
Psychotherapy
Stimulants are most commonly used in the management of ADHD symptoms, non-stimulants such as Atamoxitine can be used as well.
It is important to note that medications do not cure ADHD.
Therapy in ADHD is multimodal depending on each child’s specific needs.
May include; Behavioral therapy, emotional regulation skills and parent training.
References:
Abbasi, L. N., Mazzawi, T., Abasi, L., Haj Ali, S., Alqudah, A., & Al-Taiar, H. (2023). The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Primary School Children in Amman, Jordan. Cureus, 15(4), e37856. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.37856
ADDitude. (n.d.). Emotional dysregulation and ADHD. (2024). Retrieved from https://add.org/emotional-dysregulation-adhd/
ADHD Foundation Australia. (2020). What is ADHD? Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://adhdfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/What-is-ADHD-1-1.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Diagnosing ADHD. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html#cdc_testing_when_to_tested-dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd