What Determines the Diagnosis of ADHD?

Most people sometimes jump from one task tocharacteristics of the disorder as listed in the
another, or become disorganized and forgetful.DSM-IV-TR.
Not everyone who is inattentive or impulsive hasWhat should you do if you notice your toddler
ADHD. The diagnosis requires these behaviors beshowing signs of inattention, hyperactivity and
demonstrated to a degree that is inappropriateimpulsivity?o Consult with your child's pediatrician,
for the person's age. There are also diagnostica child psychologist or psychiatrist.o Children
guidelines that contain specific requirements formature at different rates, are different in
determining when the symptoms indicate ADHD.personality, temperament, and energy levels.o It is
Guidelines include:o Must appear early in life, beforeuseful to get an expert's opinion of whether the
age 7o And continue for at least 6 monthso Thebehavior is appropriate for the child's age to
behaviors, above all else, must create a realassess if the behavior is due to ADHD.o The
handicap in at least two areas of a person's life.toddler could be just immature or unusually
These areas include: the schoolroom, theexuberant.
playground, at home, in the community, or inADHD tends to affect functioning most strongly in
social settings.school. Sometimes it is the teacher the first to
A person who shows some symptoms, butrecognize that a child is hyperactive or inattentive
whose schoolwork or friendships are not impairedand may suggest the parents consult with a
by these behaviors would not be diagnosed withspecialist.
ADHD. A child who seems overly active on theTeachers work with many children and they
playground, but functions well elsewhere wouldcome to know how the "average" child behaves
not receive a diagnosis of ADHD.in learning situations that require attention and
How do specialists assess whether or not a childself-control. However, a child who is inattentive
has ADHD?and passive, but also quiet and cooperative may
The specialists consider several critical questionsgo unnoticed in the classroom as having the
that include:o Are these behaviors excessive,predominantly inattentive form of ADHD.
long-term and pervasive?o Do these behaviorsSource: National Institute of Mental Health
occur more often than in other children the sameDisclaimer: These statements have not been
age?o Are they a continuous problem and notevaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
just a response to a temporary situation?o DoThe information in this article is not intended to
the behaviors occur in several settings or only indiagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
one specific place such as the playground or thehealth concerns should be addressed by a qualified
schoolroom?health care professional
A specialist will compare the person's pattern ofThis article is FREE to publish with the resource
behavior against a set of criteria andbox.