Spotting ADHD Symptoms: From Childhood to Adulthood

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a disorder that begins in childhood, but can be diagnosed at various ages depending on how the symptoms are presented.

“Some children can manage for years without being diagnosed while others are diagnosed at a young age due to symptoms,” explains Leah Thomas, licensed professional counselor (LPC), child clinical manager at JFCS East Valley Healthcare Center.

Exploring the Three Types of ADHD

Thomas says that there are three forms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation and combined presentation. “Both males and females can be diagnosed with one of these forms of ADHD,” she adds.

“Various sources, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), indicate that females are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, predominantly inattentive type,” she explains. “If someone is diagnosed with the inattentive presentation of ADHD, the individual will have difficulty paying attention or maintaining focus, retaining information, being organized and will find themselves daydreaming. Because these symptoms are not outwardly portrayed, individuals may not be readily diagnosed with this.”

Added to this, Thomas says that multiple sources indicate that males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, predominantly hyperactive type.

“A child with this type of ADHD will show excessive motor activity, such as running, jumping and climbing. They will fidget, be unable to sit still, interrupt others and demonstrate impulsive behaviors,” she continues. “Due to the outward presentation of the behaviors, this form of ADHD is easier to recognize and more readily diagnosed.”

The Importance of Early Intervention

When younger children come to JFCS to be evaluated for potential ADHD, a parent or caregiver is often concerned with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

“It is common to hear that the child will not sit still, will hit another child, will not follow instructions, will lie, or steal within the home, or will be disruptive in school,” Thomas says. “These behaviors are observable to others and lead to stress for the caregivers and teachers. We tend to see an influx of the diagnosis when children enter fourth grade and when they enter middle school. The changes in the school structure, the increased need for focus and increased responsibilities will overwhelm the child who has not yet been diagnosed and treated.”

As children transition into their teen years, the common symptoms of ADHD will still be present; however, other differential diagnoses may start to occur, which includes Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Mood Disorder, according to Thomas. “It is recommended to seek treatment as early as possible so that children can learn the tools they need to live healthy lives.”

Awareness of these symptoms is key to receiving a proper diagnosis and, with various treatments (including medication and behavioral options, or a combination of both), children and teens can learn to manage their ADHD, Thomas assures.

“Without treatment, individuals may not learn the necessary coping skills to manage the ADHD. This leads to a risk of low self-esteem, potential poor performance in school and behavioral concerns,” she continues. “For the adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD, they may struggle with time management, organizing household tasks, managing work responsibilities, managing depression and anxiety, and decreased social skills.”

Understanding the Overlap of ADHD and Trauma

Because JFCS serves many clients who have experienced trauma, the responses to that trauma and ADHD symptoms are often comparable.

“Trauma does not cause ADHD, but trauma responses and ADHD can occur at the same time and may have similar appearances,” Thomas explains. “One example of this overlap may include a child’s inability to focus at home or school. This could be ADHD, inattentive presentation, but could also be a trauma response from a recent event.”

Other symptoms may overlap, include hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, low self-esteem and irritability. “Although trauma does not cause the ADHD, a traumatic experience that occurs to someone with ADHD can exacerbate the ADHD symptoms,” she adds.

For parents and caregivers who suspect their children or teens may have ADHD, there are many resources available online that provide education, statistics, parenting suggestions and other information. Two of Thomas’ favorites are ADDitude and the National Institute of Mental Health.

“It is recommended to see a professional to diagnosis the presentation and to provide appropriate treatment,” Thomas advises.

With appropriate intervention, Thomas says, “Teenagers and adults can become very successful in managing their symptoms and lead very successful lives.”

For more information about JFCS’ behavioral health services, visit jfcsaz.org/locations.