In general, the spectrum model of mental health problems aims to identify a wider variety of symptoms for different diagnosable disorders. It highlights the multifaceted, intricate components of disorders such as ADHD that vary in severity and characteristics. After a closer look at the spectrum model below, we’ll provide an outline of the various possible symptoms of ADHD and their available treatments.
Discover how to control the symptoms of ADHD
One resource for support is an online therapist.
The mental health problems spectrum model
The ADHD spectrum provides a broad framework for assessing the impact of specific symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, on an individual’s ability to function. This method differs from the earlier concept, which saw a single disorder made up of three specific subtypes that were frequently seen as all-or-nothing. Instead, by seeing ADHD as a spectrum disorder, more people who are experiencing functional difficulties as a result of this illness may be able to get the diagnosis and assistance they require.
It should be noted that when discussing autism spectrum disorder, the general spectrum model is arguably the most often used phrase, and many people could immediately connect it to that specific type of neurodiversity. Given the high comorbidity rate of ADHD and autism, it is also feasible for an individual to fall on both spectrums; nonetheless, it is important to remember that they are distinct disorders. A person may, for instance, be low on the autism spectrum and high on the ADHD spectrum, indicating that they simultaneously exhibit moderate to severe symptoms of ADHD. For this reason, it can assist to be clear when discussing the spectrum model in concrete terms.
Typical signs along the ADHD spectrum
These are still employed in diagnosis and continue to be a useful place to start when examining ADHD symptoms, even though many researchers now support a more expansive understanding of the disorder than the three strict presentations. Generally speaking, an individual with ADHD may show primarily as hyperactive/impulsive, primarily as inattentive, or as a combination presentation exhibiting symptoms of both. Even amongst two people who present identically, there may be some variation in the symptoms they experience as well as in where each person falls on the spectrum. Thus, individuals with ADHD may have a wide range of experiences on a daily basis.
Signs of Inattentive ADHD
Among the most typical signs of inattentive ADHD are the following:
Having trouble keeping focused, following through, and completing activities; having trouble paying close attention to details;
Planning and organizing difficulties
A propensity to misplace things
Having a tendency to become distracted or forgetful
The following are some symptoms that are most frequently linked to the hyperactivity/impulsivity presentation of ADHD:
Being restless or fidgety
inability to remain motionless in circumstances or settings where it’s expected
posing as though one is “driven by a motor”
Talking too much
disturbing other people
obstacles while waiting one’s turn
making snap judgments without thinking through the repercussions
Keep in mind that masking is another reason why different people may experience ADHD symptoms in different ways. This phrase describes someone who tries to hide their ADHD symptoms on purpose, mainly out of fear of being judged. This is the reason a mental health professional’s evaluation is usually necessary before an ADHD diagnosis can be made. Because the symptoms of ADHD can be so wide-ranging, the provider may utilize tools like questionnaires, IQ tests, broad-spectrum scales, and digital tests to establish whether a particular person may have the disorder.
Methods for diagnosing ADHD
A clinical diagnosis of ADHD is still based on the presence of behaviors associated with inattention (eleven possible symptoms), hyperactivity/impulsivity (nine possible symptoms), or a combination of each, according to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). The diagnostic criteria now take into account the intensity of the symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.
According to the DSM, a diagnosis of either category requires the presence of six or more symptoms. The person must exhibit at least six of the indicated indicators of both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention in order to qualify for the combined version. Additionally, before the age of twelve, symptoms must interfere with a person’s ability to perform in at least two situations. It is necessary to detect five symptoms from each dimension in older adults and adolescents.
ADHD treatment
Therapy is a common part of treating ADHD, as it is with many other mental health issues, sometimes in addition to medication. For people with this illness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular talk therapy that focuses on altering maladaptive thought and behavior patterns. However, alternative talk therapies may also be utilized, depending on the individual’s circumstances. Whether a medication is a stimulant or not, a physician or psychiatrist must regularly monitor its use.
Also take note of the fact that co-occurring diagnoses like anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression are not unusual in people with ADHD. This is an additional element that could make diagnosis more difficult because certain symptoms can aggravate or overlap with one another. Because of this, it’s usually crucial to see a trained specialist for a comprehensive assessment that can result in a precise diagnosis. Each ailment can receive specialized treatment once the provider has determined the condition or conditions they think the patient has.
Discover how to control the symptoms of ADHD
One resource for support is an online therapist.
obtaining expert assistance for symptoms associated with the ADHD spectrum
Regardless matter where you are on the ADHD spectrum, it can be challenging to manage the obstacles that this illness may bring. For this reason, seeking expert assistance is typically advised, for both diagnostic and treatment recommendations. One kind of expert who frequently deals with people who have ADHD is a therapist. They can provide you with a safe space to express your feelings and frustrations, teach you how to identify and change faulty thought patterns, and help you learn coping strategies that have been supported by research and may be able to help you manage your symptoms.
But not everyone can routinely travel to and from in-person therapy appointments, which is one of the reasons a growing number of people are now using online therapy instead of in-person treatment. With a platform like BetterHelp, you may communicate with a certified therapist from the comfort of your home or anyplace with an internet connection via phone, video call, or in-app messaging. According to a meta-analysis and comprehensive review, online therapies for ADHD may be useful in treating social function impairment and attention deficit. These results looked at six trials that were randomized controlled for individuals with ADHD.
