DSM-V – the bible of psychiatric diagnosis – lists 18 diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Clinicians use these to identify symptoms, insurance companies use it to determine coverage, and researchers use it to determine areas of worthwhile study.The problem: These criteria only describe how ADHD affects children ages 6-12.
The signs of ADHD in teens, adults, and the elderly, on the other hand, are not as well known. This has led to misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and failed treatment for these groups.Most people, clinicians included, have only a vague understanding of what ADHD means.
They assume it equates to hyperactivity and poor focus, mostly in children. They are wrong.When we step back and ask, “What does everyone with ADHD have in common,.
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