Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

What is ADD /ADHD?

The official definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as it appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association is: ADHD is a disorder that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity / impulsivity.

Individuals with ADHD may know what to do but do not consistently do what they know because of their inability to efficiently stop and think prior to responding, regardless of the setting or task. Characteristics of ADHD have been demonstrated to arise in early childhood for most individuals. This disorder is marked by chronic behaviors lasting at least six months with an onset before seven years of age. At this time four subtypes of ADHD have been defined. These include the following:

1. ADHD--Inattentive type is defined by an individual experiencing at least six of the following characteristics:
• fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• difficulty sustaining attention
• does not appear to listen
• struggles to follow through on instructions
• difficulty with organization
• avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort
• often loses things necessary for tasks
• easily distracted
• forgetful in daily activities

2. ADHD--hyperactive/impulsive type is defined by an individual experiencing six of the following characteristics:
• fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• difficulty remaining seated
• runs about or climbs excessively (in adults may be limited to subjective feeling of restlessness)
• difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• acts as if driven by a motor
• talks excessively
• blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• difficulty waiting in turn taking situations
• interrupts or intrudes upon others.

3. ADHD combined type is defined by an individual meeting both sets of attention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.

4. ADHD -not otherwise specified is defined by an individual who demonstrated some characteristics but an insufficient number of symptoms to reach a full diagnosis. These symptoms, however , disrupt everyday life.

Children and adults who have ADHD exhibit degrees of inattention or hyperactivity /impulsivity that are abnormal for their ages. They can also exhibit other psychiatric disorder (medically known as comorbidity), along with their ADHD symptoms. Most commonly, these include oppositional defiant or conduct disorder, along with or separate from internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Treatment

Treating ADHD children requires a coordinated effort between medical, mental health and educational professionals in conjunctions with parents. A treatment program should include: parent training concerning the nature of ADHD as well as effective behavior management strategies, an appropriate educational program, individual and family counseling when needed, and medication when required.

How is ADHD Diagnosed

While there is no biological or psychological test that makes a definitive diagnosis of ADHD, a diagnosis can be made based on one's clinical history of abnormality and impairment. An evaluation for ADHD will often include assessment of intellectual, academic, social and emotional functioning. Medical examination is also important to rule out low occurring but possible cause of ADHD like symptoms (adverse reactions to medications, thyroid problems, etc.). The diagnostic process must also include gathering date from teachers are well as other adults who may interact on a routine basis with the individual being evaluated.

 

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