The PsychProfiler can be used by individuals, parents, and practitioners to screen for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An effective ADHD assessment, the PsychProfiler tests for ADHD in children, as well as in adults. The Child and Adolescent PsychProfiler (CAPP) allows for three separate respondents when screening – i.e., the child or adolescent, the parent, and the teacher. The Adult PsychProfiler (APP) allows for two separate respondents when screening – i.e., the adult and an observer (e.g., spouse, parent, etc)
What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD refers to a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Inattention manifests behaviourally in ADHD as wandering off task, lacking persistence, having difficulty sustaining focus, and being disorganised. Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity when not appropriate (e.g., running about), or excessive fidgeting, tapping, or talkativeness. Impulsivity refers to hasty actions that occur in the moment without forethought that could potentially harm the person (e.g., darting onto the street without looking).
What are ADHD symptoms?
At its most generalised description, ADHD often brings about consistent behavioural traits such as inability to sit still, hyperactivity, fidgeting and cognitive traits such as lack of concentration, forgetfulness, short attention spans and mood swings including anger, anxiety, boredom, and excitement. However, each individual will have different symptoms unique to their ADHD, as well as different intensities of symptoms – and this can vary depending on their age and gender.
ADHD in children
ADHD in children and adolescents often interferes with everyday activities and schooling. Early ADHD assessment and diagnosis is an important step towards a obtaining a treatment and management plan. ADHD in children has two groups of symptoms – inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive, or they can be diagnosed as a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Inattentive symptoms in a child with ADHD include making ‘careless’ mistakes, having difficulty following instructions or remembering to do things and being easily distracted. Hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, inability to sit still or carry out tasks quietly, excessive talking, impatience, and interrupting others. An individual with inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits is considered to have ADHD Combined Presentation. Undertaking an online ADHD test is a helpful first step in the process of ADHD diagnosis. To get started, complete the PsychProfiler psychological assessment, here.
ADHD in adults
In many cases, ADHD diagnosis occurs in childhood with symptoms continuing into adulthood, although for some people, recognition or diagnosis may not come until later in life. Adult symptoms may not be as clear as they are in children, and some symptoms of hyperactivity can reduce as people age. ADHD symptoms for adults can include impulsiveness, disorganisation and difficulty prioritising, poor time management, trouble multitasking, frequent mood swings and trouble following through on tasks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult as symptoms can be very similar to common anxiety disorders or mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. The PsychProfiler is an effective online psychological assessment, used to aid in the process of ADHD diagnosis. The PsychProfiler tests for ADHD, along with 19 other common psychiatric, psychological, and educational disorders.
ADHD in women vs. men
ADHD can present differently in women and girls compared to men and boys. It is predicted that as children, boys are three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls – however, this is not necessarily because girls are less likely to have ADHD, it is just more difficult to recognise. This is because (generally speaking), ADHD symptoms in boys can be more overt – such as impulsivity and fidgeting, running and physical aggression, whereas ADHD in girls can be more internalised with inattention and low self-esteem. Therefore, ADHD symptoms in girls can be easily overlooked and unnoticed into adulthood, making ADHD assessment so important at an early age.
What is PsychProfiler?
The PsychProfiler is an online psychology assessment that allows individuals, parents, and practitioners to screen for 20 of the most common psychiatric, psychological and educational disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Screening for these disorders helps to identify a path forward with treatment to help individuals and their loved ones live their most fulfilling and rewarding lives.
Learn more about PsychProfiler here.
