What characteristics can diagnose ADHD and what brain differences can determine ADHD in a person?
Answer Tatiana, Hello. Yes, ADHD is a real medical condition under the DSM-IV [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]. It is categorized as a psychological disorder because one would be considered defiant, distressful, and dysfunctional. Very few psychiatrists disagree with the idea of ADHD because it is also considered an ‘invisible disability’ much like learning disabilities. However, there is much proof it has existed as far back as the first documented case around 1902. While ADHD does stand for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, not all are hyperactive. I, myself, am diagnosed with predominately inattentive type. These people are quiet, shy, and may be lost in their own world much more than the predominantly hyperactive and combined types. Hyperactive and combined type are usually much more impulsive and are hyperactive while the combined type will exhibit inattentive periods at times along with hyperactivity [hence, combined]. Using PET or MRI scans are too
