Doctors diagnose ADHD in children after a child has shown six or more specific symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity on a regular basis for more than 6 months in at least two settings. The doctor will consider how a child's behavior compares with that of other children the same age.
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as four years old. To be diagnosed between the ages of four and 16, a child must show six or more symptoms for more than six months, with most signs appearing before age 12.
Though it varies, a typical assessment for ADHD in children or adults may last around one to three hours. Every practitioner conducts the assessment in their own way, but you can expect an in-person interview covering topics such as development, health, family, and lifestyle history.
In addition to looking at your child's behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. A full medical history will be needed to put your child's behavior in context and screen for other conditions that may affect her behavior.
If you're worried about your child, it may help to speak to their teachers before seeing your GP. This means you can find out if they have any concerns about your child's behaviour. Your GP can't formally diagnose ADHD. They can discuss your concerns with you and refer you for a specialist assessment, if necessary.
restlessness and edginess. difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn. blurting out responses and often interrupting others. mood swings, irritability and a quick temper.
The easiest way to get diagnosed and treated for ADHD if you are an adult is to approach your GP. Most GPs have a good understanding of ADHD. More importantly, as community-based health workers GPs have a wide-ranging understanding of medical and social issues that can affect one's cognitive function.
If you are concerned that you may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor. They will most likely refer you to a psychologist. A psychologist can only make a diagnosis after a detailed assessment of your behaviour. There are many behavioural disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD, especially in young children.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take? You can expect the ADHD test to take at least one to three hours, depending on what's involved (and the age of your child, if you have one). A full evaluation usually takes longer since your provider needs to gather information from multiple sources.
One reason is time. It can take several hours of talking, test taking, and analysis to diagnose someone with ADHD. In addition, general practitioners sometimes overlook co-existing, or comorbid, conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders, or autism spectrum disorder.
ADHD requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes: Education on ADHD for parent and child, including learning it is a brain-based condition. Behavioral management strategies and parent training. Academic accommodations and support.
Restlessness. Hyperactivity is often a major symptom of ADHD. Where in children, this symptom often manifests as an inability to sit still. In classroom settings, kids might fidget or squirm in their chairs, talk excessively, interrupt others, and always seem to be in motion.
During Childhood
Children with ADHD may struggle to control their emotions. This can cause social problems. They may not know how to share toys, take turns, play well with others, or react the right way in certain situations. Without treatment and guidance, they may have trouble making or keeping friends.
Your child may: Have trouble staying focused; be easily distracted or get bored with a task before it's completed. Appear not to listen when spoken to. Have difficulty remembering things and following instructions; not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood. 2. There are different types of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation; predominantly inattentive presentation; combined presentation.
If you suspect that your child might have it, start with a visit to their pediatrician. It's especially helpful to see a doctor who has special training to diagnose and treat ADHD and learning disabilities. Or you might be referred to a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Parents: How do I request a referral for an ADHD assessment? If you feel your child may have ADHD and you would like a referral, please speak to your GP, or other professionals involved in your child's care such as your paediatrician, speech and language therapist, or psychologist.
ADHD is a protected disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).