ADHD Diagnosis in Children Q&A

Among the most common mental disorders affecting children is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD symptoms include inattention (inability to remain focused), hyperactivity (excessive movement that is unsuitable for the setting), and impulsivity (impulsive acts that occur without thought in the moment).

Known as a chronic and debilitating disorder, ADHD impacts an individual’s academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Without appropriate treatment, ADHD can cause poor self-esteem and social function in children. In adults, ADHD can increase self-criticism, sensitivity to criticism, and poor self-worth.

In order to determine if a child has ADHD, several steps must be taken. ADHD cannot be diagnosed with a single test, and many other problems, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. An initial step in the process is to have a medical examination, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms similar to ADHD. ADHD is typically diagnosed by evaluating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes even the child himself.

Your doctor will also ask your child about what symptoms he or she has, when those symptoms started, and how the behavior affects the rest of the family. Children are diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit six or more specific symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity on a regular basis over a period of six months in at least two settings. A doctor will examine a child’s behavior in comparison with other children of the same age.

In many cases, children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, fidgeting, or acting impulsively. ADHD children, however, have symptoms that are noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Symptoms such as these cause significant suffering and cause problems at work, at home, and in relationships. Individuals exhibiting these symptoms are not defiant or incapable of understanding instructions or tasks, they are experiencing symptoms of their condition.

Diagnosis relies on the presence of persistent symptoms that have lasted for at least six months. Despite the fact that ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this disorder usually begins in childhood. For a diagnosis to be considered, the symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and have caused difficulties in more than one setting. As an example, if symptoms are only experienced at home other factors may be looked at.

There are three main types of ADHD which include predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. These types will present symptoms in slightly different ways.

It is common for ADHD symptoms to be noticed at an early age and to become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as starting school. Children are usually diagnosed with this disease under the age of 12, but it can sometimes be diagnosed later on in childhood.

ADHD is sometimes not recognized in childhood, and adults are diagnosed later. While ADHD symptoms usually improve with age, many adults who were diagnosed at a young age continue to struggle with the condition.

It is common for children to go through periods of restlessness or inattentiveness. Often, this is completely normal, and does not necessarily indicate ADHD. If you think your child’s behavior is different from that of most children their age, you should speak to their teacher, special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), or GP. If you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child but suspect you may have the condition as an adult, you should speak to a GP.

ADHD diagnosis in children is available at Kidswood Pediatrics. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 1680 Lee Rd, Winter Park, FL 32789. We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Apopka FL, Casselberry FL, Oviedo, FL, and surrounding areas.