ADHD is a medical disorder that affects a child’s behavior. The disorder is estimated to affect 3%-7% of school age children.
A child with ADHD often shows some or all of the following:
Trouble paying attention, inattention to details and makes careless mistakes, easily distracted, loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework, trouble finishing class work and homework, trouble listening, trouble following multiple adult commands, blurts out answers, impatience, fidgets or squirms, leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively, seems “on the go,” talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly, interrupts or intrudes on others.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
It is often diagnosed in children 6-12 years of age because the symptoms become more noticeable in school. In children younger than 6, it is more difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can also occur periodically during normal development.
ADHD is diagnosed by first having a thorough medical examination to rule out other conditions. An evaluation by a pediatrician, family doctor, psychologist, or child and adolescent psychiatrist uses specific criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association. Observations of a children’s behavior documented by parents, classroom teachers and others who have regular contact with the child are evaluated. A child who is diagnosed with ADHD and treated appropriately can have a productive and successful life. It is of great importance that there is a team approach in the diagnosis.
A child with ADHD often shows some or all of the following:
Trouble paying attention, inattention to details and makes careless mistakes, easily distracted, loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework, trouble finishing class work and homework, trouble listening, trouble following multiple adult commands, blurts out answers, impatience, fidgets or squirms, leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively, seems “on the go,” talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly, interrupts or intrudes on others.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
It is often diagnosed in children 6-12 years of age because the symptoms become more noticeable in school. In children younger than 6, it is more difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can also occur periodically during normal development.
ADHD is diagnosed by first having a thorough medical examination to rule out other conditions. An evaluation by a pediatrician, family doctor, psychologist, or child and adolescent psychiatrist uses specific criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association. Observations of a children’s behavior documented by parents, classroom teachers and others who have regular contact with the child are evaluated. A child who is diagnosed with ADHD and treated appropriately can have a productive and successful life. It is of great importance that there is a team approach in the diagnosis.
Tags: ADHD, adhd diagnosis, adolescent psychiatrists, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, easily distracted, inattention to details, loses school supplies, trouble paying attention
