What is ADHD/ADD?
ADHD is an English abbreviation that stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. Translated as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Syndrome. There are three types of ADHD: the hyperactive or over-active type, the impulsive type and the inattentive type (the latter formerly called ADD). A combination of two or three of these three types is what I call the combined type. On this website, we use the term ADD still, because everyone keeps using them. Although strictly scientifically this is no longer true.
Self-check
Lasting problem
It is a disorder of self-control which arises during (very early) brain development. Other developmental disorders include ASD (autism spectrum disorder), or dyslexia. Typical features of ADHD include problems with attention, impulse control, activity level, motivation and time management.
ADHD is not a temporary discomfort that goes away on its own, or that is cured by a pill. One is born with it and one will also die with it. Although in some people the symptoms will spontaneous change while growing up. It does NOT arise from a poor upbringing one received from one's parents, nor from a lack of self-discipline. Nor does it have anything to do with a good or bad character one possesses or intelligence. One does not get ADHD because one is lazy or stupid.
Science and ADHD
Scientific research clearly shows that there are a deficit in the brain (genetic and/or due to brain damage) that causes the absent-mindedness, dreaminess, forgetting, procrastination and other symptoms. Most children with ADHD underperform in school and up to 50% of children and adolescents have to sit out at least one year. And this even though, on average, they are even slightly smarter than people without ADHD. In half of them, there are problems with social relations. And a significant number involve additional psychological problems Or there is addiction. Without treatment, people are often left with a sense of failure in major areas of life such as training, work, leisure and family.
Source: ’Taking charge of ADHD', Russell A. Barkley, 2020, The Guilford Press, NY
Is ADHD diagnosed too often?
No, on the contrary. Estimates vary: between 20 and 40% of children with ADHD are never diagnosed and treated. All children are sometimes over-moving, impulsive and inattentive. But children with ADHD are this much more often and to a worse degree. It is estimated that about 5% of school-aged children have ADHD. And this in all cultures and across all ethnic groups in the world.
So this also means that a large number of adults with ADHD never received a diagnosis or treatment. This brings immense social costs in addition to personal misery. Costs of under-productivity, unemployment, extra education, addiction treatment, hospital costs, etc.
Unfortunately, it often takes many years, with difficulties, setbacks and wrong choices in all kinds of areas of life, before anyone even a suspicion gets that he has ADHD.
Is there an objective test to detect ADHD?
No, there is no such thing.
There is no single test that makes it clear whether you have ADHD. However, many centres continue to use a long list of tests in their research. This takes a long time, costs a lot of money and creates long waiting lists.
Nor, for that matter, does such a test exist for schizophrenia, alcoholism, bipolarity or anxiety disorders.
Only a thorough clinical diagnosis can bring clarity.
Unlike blindness or any other physical disability, one cannot directly tell if someone has ADHD either.
What is a clinical diagnosis?
A clinical diagnosis consists of surveying a person's life and complaints in a comprehensive and detailed manner. In which, through questioning, one ascertains how the complaints show themselves in it, what causes them.
It therefore requires a very good knowledge of ADHD, and it requires a lot of knowledge and experience with mental problems. Because many mental problems resemble ADHD (e.g. borderline, ASD), and often co-occur with it.
We have been performing ADD and ADHD research and we have very long experience (also in psychiatry) with related and similar problems. So we can quickly arrive at a correct diagnosis that is officially recognised in EU and of which you get a certificate.
FREE Webinar What is AD(H)D?
Characteristics and healthy treatment
Ultra-short screening test in ADHD-ADD Expertise Centre Psychologist-JoVo
1. Do you usually feel restless? (for example: agitated, difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, exercising a lot or being agile)
2. Do you usually tend to do first and think second? (e.g. blurting things out, spending too much money, being impatient)
3. Do you usually have concentration problems? (e.g. being easily distracted, not finishing things, easily bored, forgetful or chaotic)
If the answer to question 1 and/or 2 and/or 3 is yes:
4. Have you always had this? (For as long as you can remember, or most of your life)
If the answer to question 4 is yes, consider a professional examination for AD(H)D.
ADHD in adults, diagnostics and treatment”, p 213, J.J.Sandra Kooij, Pearson Amsterdam, 2020.
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Psychologists
Jan Schrans
Approval Numer: 641104942 jan.schrans@gmail.com
Sabine Vranken
Approval Number: 692109216 psysabinevranken@gmail.com
SCHRANS Jan
