🧠 ADHD in Adults and Children: A Complete Guide to Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

If you'd like to deepen your knowledge about ADHD in adults , we recommend reading this article carefully. 👇🏻

🧐 What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of neurobiological origin. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of:

  • Inattention

  • Hyperactivity-impulsivity

These symptoms interfere with the person's functioning in various contexts, affecting their overall development (APA, 2013).

📊 Epidemiological Data

From an epidemiological perspective, ADHD has maintained a consistent prevalence, reaching international figures between 5% and 29% (Posner et al., 2020). This global variability is attributed to methodological differences, diagnostic criteria, and functional impairment requirements specific to each region.

🧠 Neurobiological Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a complex neuropsychiatric condition that causes structural and functional changes in brain neurochemistry:

  1. Structural Changes: These affect areas such as the prefrontal cortex , the striatum , and the cerebellum .

  2. Functional Changes: There is evidence of alteration in the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline , key neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of this disorder (Mehta et al., 2019).

🔎 Neuropsychological Assessment and Concomitance

Beyond medical evaluation, neuropsychological assessment is crucial. It allows for the measurement of cognitive and behavioral functions to identify co-occurring conditions (associated disorders). According to Fenollar-Cortés (2022), the areas usually affected include:

  • Emotional area: Self-esteem and emotional regulation.

  • Motor coordination: Handwriting and manual skills.

  • Disruptive behavior: Understanding limits and rules.

  • Executive functions: Problem solving, time management, and sequencing.

▶️ Difference between ADHD and Dysexecutive Syndrome

It is vital to distinguish between ADHD and Dysexecutive Syndrome .

  • Dysexecutive Syndromes: Cognitive profiles that affect impulse control (orbital prefrontal syndrome) or the ability to manipulate information (dorsolateral prefrontal syndrome), causing errors and disconnection from the task.

  • The Relationship: ADHD is recognized as a type of developmental dysexecutive syndrome, but not every dysexecutive syndrome is ADHD .

⭐️ Environmental Risk Factors

Interaction with the environment can increase the risk of dysexecutive symptoms. Some factors include:

  • Lack of structure in the environment.

  • Multitasking habit.

  • Technological distractions (using a cell phone while studying).

  • Acquired brain injury or substance use.

🤓 Standardized Tests for the Diagnosis of ADHD

Below, we detail the essential tests for a complete assessment. (Click on the names in blue to see more details and explanatory videos on our site) .

✅ ADHD Screening Scales (e-ADHD)

Since ADHD must be present in two or more contexts, this test collects qualitative reports from parents and school about the individual's performance.

✅ ATENTO Test (Executive Functions and ADHD)

It assesses symptoms in children between the ages of 3 and 18. It is versatile and includes questionnaires for:

  • 👉🏼 Family and School (3 to 6 years).

  • 👉🏼 Family and School (6 to 18 years).

  • 👉🏼 Self-report (children/adolescents aged 8 to 18 years).

✅ d2-R Attention Test

It measures selective attention, sustained attention, and concentration . Without attention, there is no learning, so this test is essential for measuring the speed and quality of work.

✅ Intelligence (WISC-IV and TONI-IV)

It analyzes strengths and weaknesses in verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and processing speed. It is key to understanding current and future learning capacity.

✅ Memory (TOMAL)

Diagnostic criteria include frequent forgetfulness and loss of objects. This test assesses the ability to recall facts, learn new information, and plan tasks.

✅ Executive Functions (ENFEN, BANFE-3 and BRIEF-2)

It assesses the ability to regulate, plan, and monitor behavior . Essential for patients with difficulties following instructions and managing time.

✅ Behavior and Emotion (BASC-3)

It helps differentiate ADHD from anxiety, depression, or oppositional defiant behavior. It is a multi-method test for children and adolescents.

✅ Adaptive Behavior (ABAS-2)

It clarifies performance in conceptual, social, and practical skills necessary to function at home, school, and in the community.

💊 ADHD Treatment

✅ Pharmacological Treatment

Depending on the severity, it is recommended to visit a neuropediatrician to assess the need for medication.

✅ Non-Pharmacological Treatment

Cognitive stimulation programs are highly effective. Studies (Ríos-Gallardo et al., 2016) demonstrate improvements in mental flexibility and executive functions through cognitive intervention.

🇵🇦 Exclusive Resource in Panama: Pirate Adventure

At the Comprehensive Center for Educational Neuropsychology , we offer the "Pirate Adventure" program. It's a self-instruction training program designed to minimize impulsive behaviors and promote thoughtful and organized work.

💪 Strategies to Improve Concentration (Practical Tips)

What can you do if you have ADHD or related symptoms? Here are some effective strategies:

▶️ Pomodoro Technique

Use timers to work in blocks and take short breaks.

  • Key: Avoid multitasking.

  • Rest: Take active breaks, avoid screens, and stay hydrated.

▶️ App One Sec

An app to help regulate impulsive phone use. It forces you to pause before opening social media, helping to reduce screen time.

▶️ Recommendations for Parents

  • Create a structured environment.

  • Implement family board game routines.

  • Promote extracurricular activities.

📍 Schedule your appointment in Panama

Remember that each case must be evaluated individually.

Comprehensive Center for Educational Neuropsychology

  • 📍 Location: Panama City, PH Centro Empresarial Mar del Sur (200m from the Vía Argentina Metro Station).

  • 📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6535 6362

📚 Bibliographic References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 5th ed.

  • Conde, C. and Del Olmo, A. (2023). Manual of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology .

  • Fenollar-Cortés, J. (2020). e-TDAH. ADHD Detection Scale . TEA Ediciones.

  • Mehta, TR, et al. (2019). Neurobiology of ADHD: A Review. Current Developmental Disorders Reports .

  • Posner, J., et al. (2020). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Lancet .

  • Ríos-Gallardo, AM, et al. (2016). Effectiveness of a cognitive intervention... Revista Facultad De Salud .

  • Tirapu-Ustárroz, J., and Muñoz-Céspedes, J. (2005). Memory and executive functions. Journal of Neurology .