Diagnostics
How a diagnosis of ADHD is made
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the criteria of the DSM-5, the international handbook for psychiatric diagnoses. But a diagnosis is more than counting characteristics: we assess the overall picture.
What the DSM-5 requires
In adults, all of these conditions must be met:
- At least five characteristics of inattention, or five of hyperactivity and impulsivity, or of both.
- The characteristics have been present for at least six months.
- Several characteristics were already present before the age of twelve.
- The characteristics occur in more than one setting, for example at home and at work.
- They clearly hinder you in your daily life.
- They are not better explained by another condition.
The three types of ADHD
The DSM-5 describes eighteen characteristics: nine of inattention and nine of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Which ones are most prominent determines the type.
Type 1
Predominantly inattentive
Mainly characteristics of inattention: difficulty concentrating, organising and finishing things, forgetfulness, being easily distracted. This used to be often called ADD.Type 2
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Mainly characteristics of restlessness and impulsivity: difficulty sitting still or relaxing, talking a lot, finding it hard to wait, acting quickly.Type 3
Combined
Characteristics of both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Resembling ADHD is not the same as having ADHD
Symptoms such as restlessness, forgetfulness or problems concentrating can also have other causes. That is why we always assess the collateral history (heteroanamnese), the DIVA-5 interview and the medical intake together.
Similar symptoms can be caused by
- Long-term stress
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Traumatic experiences
- Sleep problems
- A physical condition
- Medication
- Alcohol or drugs
- Learned patterns
ADHD and something else
Someone can have ADHD and also have anxiety, low mood or sleep problems. We look at this in the medical intake as well.
What we do and do not assess
We specialise in ADHD in adults and do not carry out extensive assessments for other psychiatric conditions, such as autism. We do look at whether your symptoms might have another cause.
Who is our care for?Questions about the diagnosis
- No. The self-test consists of 18 questions about the past six months and takes about five minutes. The result is an indication. Only a full assessment can show whether you have ADHD. If you recognise yourself in the result, discuss it with your GP.
- ADHD is a developmental disorder: several characteristics were already present before the age of twelve. If your symptoms only started in adulthood, further assessment is needed into possible other causes.
- ADD is an older name. Nowadays it falls under ADHD, as the type in which inattention is most prominent.
Sources
Diagnostics
Read more
- The assessmentThe five parts of the ADHD assessment at ADHD Medisch Centrum, how the DIVA-5 interview works, why we ask someone close to you and how to prepare.
- After the diagnosisWhat happens after the ADHD assessment: starting treatment straight away if you have ADHD, or a referral back with clear advice if it is something else.
Do you recognise yourself in this?
The self-test gives you a first impression in about five minutes. It is not a diagnosis; discuss the result with your GP.