With ADHD/ADD, the brain has difficulty regulating attention, storing information, prioritizing focus, and creating an overview.
Attention difficulties can manifest themselves by:
- is easily distracted by external or internal (own thoughts, feelings, sensations) stimuli
- has difficulty planning and implementing activities
- has difficulty understanding instructions accurately
- have difficulty maintaining concentration over long periods of time (e.g. when reading)
- avoids tasks that require sustained concentration
- makes careless mistakes and overlooks details or gets lost in details at the expense of the whole
Hyperactivity can manifest itself by:
- is constantly running as if driven by a motor
- has difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- has difficulty participating in quiet activities
- talks like a waterfall
Impulsivity can manifest itself by:
- tends to complete other people's sentences
- answers before the question is completed
- interrupts others while they are talking
- have a hard time waiting for your turn
In Bemerk, assessments are carried out to clarify whether an ADHD/ADD diagnosis is in question. However, before an assessment is carried out, you may have suspected this problem and noticed various signs that point towards ADHD/ADD.
ADHD can manifest itself in many ways. For example, as an almost constant restlessness or tension in the body. Others experience problems getting started with chores and tasks. Many experience a need for 'something new' to happen relatively often, in order to keep interest up in everyday life. Frequent changes or many projects can act as stimuli to stay engaged in their surroundings. ADHD can also be the reason for a constant feeling of fatigue, difficulties in being an active part of the community, or frustration at not being able to get started with things.
ADD is a subgroup of ADHD, and is ADHD without the hyperactive component. This is a type of attention disorder that many people can go undetected because they do not attract attention by, for example, being the loudest girl in class or the one who frequently seeks new challenges. In fact, you will often see the opposite, where changes and new elements in everyday life are an extra burden. ADD is also called 'The Silent ADHD', and is the type of ADHD that most often goes under the radar. In addition, people with ADD can often appear calm and relaxed. But inner turmoil can in many cases create tension, nervousness and difficulty relaxing. Challenges in getting things done in the right order or prioritizing your tasks so that you achieve the most important things can be very energy-consuming. Many people find that they are constantly 'at work', and at the same time miss important details and presence in their close relationships.
If this is a problem you are struggling with and would like help moving forward, we would like to hear from you. Send us an email or call us and we will find out how we can best help you.