Assessment specialist discloses five unexpected inquiries she poses to individuals contemplating they may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
In the digital age, a UK nurse named Marie, known as The Zebra Nurse on TikTok, has gained viral fame for her unique approach to diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. Her innovative methods, which involve asking unconventional questions, are helping to shed light on the often overlooked symptoms of ADHD.
Marie's approach differs from traditional diagnostic methods, which often rely on symptom checklists. Instead, she uses structured interviews and validated tools like the DIVA 5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, version 5) to delve deeper into the core features of ADHD. These tools include questions that explore how symptoms manifest in various life areas and emotional experiences, helping to uncover less obvious ADHD manifestations.
One of the questions Marie uses is 'How many unread emails do you have in your inbox?' to gauge difficulty with administrative tasks. She also asks 'Which housework chores do you routinely avoid doing and why?' to assess difficulties with sequential tasks like laundry. Another intriguing question is 'How do you feel about queueing?' to identify difficulties with tasks that require standing still, not fidgeting, and fighting impulsions.
Marie's methods are not just about asking unusual questions. She also takes into account the patient's relationship and work history to understand the ways in which ADHD traits can manifest in everyday tasks. For instance, she notes that people with ADHD tend to end jobs and relationships quickly and impulsively.
The use of structured clinical interviews like DIVA 5 and a holistic assessment approach shows that UK nurses use both standard and probing questions to uncover ADHD symptoms that patients might not initially report or connect with ADHD. This approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the individual's symptom profile, helping to differentiate ADHD from other conditions.
Research published from 1979 to 2021 about females with ADHD shows girls and women tend to show inattention and internalised problems, while men show greater hyperactivity, impulsivity, and externalised problems. This highlights the importance of Marie's approach, as it helps to address the often overlooked symptoms in females.
The sharp rise in the number of adults seeking ADHD diagnostic assessments later in life, coupled with the fact that more than 2.6 million people in the UK are now estimated to have ADHD, underscores the need for innovative diagnostic methods like those used by Marie.
The video received comments from social media users who related to the interesting ways traits can manifest. Marie, with her over 120,000 followers on TikTok, continues to educate and inspire, providing a much-needed platform for those seeking a better understanding of ADHD.
References:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72
- Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Guilford Press.
- Faraone, S. V., Asherson, P., & Smith, T. (2006). The genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nature Reviews Genetics, 7(1), 21-31.
- Kooij, T., Buitelaar, J. K., & van der Lek, C. (2016). The neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(2), 95-108.
- Russell, A., & Russell, M. (2016). The ADHD Solution: A 5-Step Plan for Parents & Kids to Succeed in School and Life. New Harbinger Publications.
Marie's innovative diagnostic approach for ADHD in adults, as seen on TikTok, utilizes health-and-wellness strategies and mental-health tools, such as the DIVA 5, to delve into the core features of ADHD. This news in science highlights the importance of considering less obvious symptoms, particularly in females, who tend to exhibit inattention and internalized problems.
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