What It Means To Be On The ADHD Spectrum
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with behavioral features of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Symptoms often include things like difficulty paying attention, sitting still, managing time, and making decisions. That said, symptom type and severity can vary significantly from person to person, which is why researchers now consider ADHD to exist on a spectrum. This is one of several reasons why this condition can manifest so differently from one individual to the next.
We’ll explore the spectrum model more closely below, then we’ll give an overview of the range of possible ADHD symptoms and treatment options.
The spectrum model of mental health disorders
The ADHD spectrum is a general framework for evaluating individual symptoms from mild to severe in terms of how they affect a person's functioning. This approach is in contrast to the previous model of a single disorder consisting of three narrow subtypes often viewed in an all-or-nothing manner. Viewing ADHD as a spectrum instead can allow for more people experiencing functional impairments due to this condition to receive a diagnosis and the support they may need.
The spectrum model is commonly linked to autism
Note that the general spectrum model is perhaps most popular when referring to autism spectrum disorder, and many may automatically associate this term with that particular form of neurodivergence.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism may coexist
It’s also possible for an individual to be on both the ADHD and autism spectrums, as the two conditions have a high comorbidity rate—but keep in mind that they are still separate. For example, a person could be high on the ADHD spectrum, meaning they experience moderate to severe symptoms of ADHD, and low on the autism spectrum at the same time. That’s why being specific when speaking of the spectrum model can be helpful for clarity.
ADHD symptoms vary between individuals
Even among two individuals with the same presentation, the symptoms they experience could vary somewhat, and their position along the spectrum for each one could vary as well. That means the day-to-day experiences of people with ADHD can vary widely.
Common symptoms along the ADHD spectrum
Although many researchers now encourage a broader view of ADHD symptoms beyond the three strict presentations, these are still used in diagnosis and continue to represent a helpful starting point for consideration. Generally speaking, a person with ADHD may have the primarily inattentive presentation, the primarily hyperactive/impulsive presentation, or a combined presentation, featuring symptoms of both.
Symptoms commonly associated with the inattentiveness ADHD spectrum
Some of the most common symptoms those on the inattentive ADHD spectrum may experience include:
- Difficulty paying close attention to details
- Difficulty staying focused
- Trouble following through and finishing tasks
- Challenges with planning and organizing
- A tendency to misplace items
- Being prone to distraction
- Being prone to forgetfulness
ADHD symptoms commonly associated with the hyperactivity and impulsiveness spectrum
Some of the most common symptoms those on the hyperactive/impulsive ADHD spectrum may experience include:
- Fidgeting or restlessness
- Difficulty sitting still in situations or environments where it's expected
- Acting as if "driven by a motor"
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others
- Challenges waiting one's turn
- Making rash decisions without considering the consequences
Note that another reason ADHD symptoms can present differently from one person to another is masking. This term refers to a person intentionally trying to conceal their ADHD symptoms, usually for fear of judgment. That’s why being evaluated by a mental health professional is generally required for an ADHD diagnosis. The provider may use tools like questionnaires, IQ testing, broad-spectrum scales, and digital tests to determine whether a given individual may have ADHD because the symptoms can be so broad and varied.
How attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed
According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), a clinical ADHD diagnosis is still made based on the presence of behaviors related to inattention (eleven possible symptoms) hyperactivity/impulsivity (nine possible symptoms), or a combined form of each. Symptom severity is now included in the diagnostic criteria as well, from mild to severe.
Six symptoms needed for diagnosis
The DSM establishes that six or more symptoms must be present for either subtype to be diagnosed. For the combined form, the individual must show six or more of the listed signs of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Symptoms must appear in childhood
Symptoms must also manifest in at least two settings before the age of 12, impairing a person's functioning. In older adolescents and adults, five symptoms of each dimension must be observed.
Treatment for those on the ADHD spectrum
As with many mental health conditions, treatment for ADHD often includes some form of therapy, sometimes in combination with medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—which focuses on changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving—is one common type of talk therapy for individuals with this condition, but there are several others that may be used depending on the person’s unique situation. Medications may be stimulants or non-stimulants, and their use must be closely monitored by a doctor or psychiatrist.
Treatment for other disorders that may coexist with ADHD
Note also that it’s not uncommon for individuals with ADHD to have a co-occurring diagnosis, such as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression. This is another factor that may complicate the diagnostic process, since some symptoms may overlap or exacerbate each other. That’s why it’s typically important to see a qualified professional for a thorough evaluation that can yield an accurate diagnosis. Once the provider has identified the condition(s) they believe are present in an individual, each one can be treated specifically.
Seeking support for ADHD symptoms like inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness
Regardless of where you may fall on the ADHD spectrum, managing the challenges this condition may present can be difficult. That’s why enlisting the support of a professional is usually recommended, both for diagnosis and for treatment advice. A therapist is one type of professional that commonly works with individuals with ADHD. They can offer you a place to freely share your emotions and frustrations, learn to recognize and shift distorted thought patterns, and discover research-backed coping mechanisms that may help you manage your symptoms.
Exploring online therapy for ADHD symptoms
However, not everyone is able to travel to and from in-person therapy sessions regularly, which is one reason many people now turn to online therapy instead. A platform like BetterHelp allows you to connect with a licensed therapist by phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging, all from the comfort of home or anywhere else you have an internet connection. A meta-analysis and systematic review that examined online interventions for ADHD suggests that they may be effective for addressing attention deficit and social function. These findings examined six randomized controlled trials of people with ADHD.
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