The most prevalent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. These symptoms are typically seen early in a child’s life, often when he enters a school setting. Problematic behaviors may continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Click on Signs That Might Warrant Further Evaluation to learn more.
Lots of information must be gathered in order for your physician or mental health professional to make the diagnosis of ADHD. Click on Evaluation Process: What to Expect to get a better understanding about what to expect, questions to ask, and information to have available during the evaluation process.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual meet the criteria requirements listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
When making a diagnosis of ADHD it is important for your treatment provider to rule out alternative causes or conditions that may be leading to the problematic behaviors. It is also important to identify any coexisting conditions that may be present. Click on Identifying Coexisting Conditions to learn more.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
Click on Gaining a Sense of Control Over One's Life to read a personal story about the positive impact accurate diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can have in improving the quality of one's life.
Additional Reading:
From One Father/Husband to Others
How to Approach Someone You Believe May Have ADHD
ADHD is not a shameful condition. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD occurs in an estimated 3 to 5 percent of preschool and school age children. That means in a class of 25 to 30 students, it is likely that at least one student will have this common condition.
ADHD begins in childhood, but it often lasts into adulthood. Studies estimate that 30-70 percent of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.
If someone you know is displaying symptoms of ADHD, talk to them and educate them about the condition. Symptoms can be treated with various therapies and many individuals with ADHD go on to live productive and happy lives. Actually, some of the most creative and innovative people also have symptoms of ADHD.
Click on Celebrating ADD/ADHD to learn more.
Click on Causes of ADHD to Watch an Informative Video about ADHD.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”. Pediatrics 105:1158-1170. May 2000.
American Academy of Pediatrics. “ADHD and Your School Age Child”. AAP Parent Pages. 2001.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, D.C. 2000
