ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, can impair one’s ability to function in a variety of settings, including at home, school, or work. Although this neurodevelopmental disorder can cause visible difficulties, the symptoms present in ADHD children and adults are not always obvious.
ADHD is usually noticeable in children by the time they reach the age of adolescence. The average age for a moderate ADHD diagnosis is seven years.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a behavioral disorder marked by impulsivity, inattention, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur at the same time, but one may be more noticeable than the others.
Types of ADHD
- Combined Type: Distractibility and inattention are combined with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
- Distractible and Inattentive Type: Distractibility and inattention predominate, with no signs of hyperactivity.
- Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: Characterized by extreme restlessness, inattention, and distractibility.
ADHD in Children
Some adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder most likely displayed symptoms early in life that were ignored, resulting in a late diagnosis. ADHD diagnosis in adults and children is a multi-step process. There is no single step to diagnose ADHD; many other conditions, like certain learning disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders, can mimic ADHD.
If you suspect your child has ADHD, the first and most important step is to consult a healthcare provider. If your child’s symptoms meet diagnostic criteria, a primary care provider, such as a pediatrician, or a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can help.
Do you believe your child has this disorder? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a healthcare provider should ask you about your child’s behavior in more than one setting. This includes their behavior at home, school, and with their peers. The doctor will also determine whether your child’s symptoms can be explained by any other conditions or mental disorders.
Causes
ADHD is one of the most extensively researched areas of childhood mental health. However, the precise cause of the disorder has yet to be determined by researchers. According to the evidence, it is genetic and can affect multiple family members. Attention deficit disorder is a biological condition that affects the brain.
Dopamine levels in children with this disorder are typically low. PET scan studies show that children with ADHD have lower brain metabolism in areas of the brain that control movement, social judgment, and attention.
Who Does ADHD Affect?
According to studies, this disorder affects between 4% and 12% of children. Boys are two- to three times more likely than girls to have the combined or hyperactive form of ADHD. When their children were younger, many parents of ADHD children experienced several symptoms of the disorder. It typically affects siblings, implying a family history. Most parents seek help when their children’s learning and adjustment to age-appropriate activities and school expectations are hampered.
ADHD Symptoms
Below are the most common ADHD symptoms. However, kids experience the symptoms differently. The two main categories of symptoms are:
Symptoms of Inattention
- Difficulty maintaining attention or a short attention span for the child’s age
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty listening
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty attending to details
- Trouble organizing tasks
- Poor study skills for the child’s developmental level
Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Excessive talking,
- Makes careless mistakes,
- Constant motion, at times with no apparent purpose,
- Difficulty remaining seated even when expected,
- Forgetting or losing things often and repeatedly,
- Difficulty engaging in quiet activities,
- Excessive fidgeting or squirming,
- Problems with a sustained mental effort to focus on one task and bring it to completion,
- A persistent pattern of interrupting others,
- Taking frequent risks without thinking before acting,
- Difficulty waiting for their turn in social games and school, and
- They frequently blurt out answers instead of waiting for the teacher to call upon them.
ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a common behavioral or mood disorder in children. To make an accurate diagnosis, healthcare providers follow the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual guidelines. This standard ensures that they are correctly diagnosing and treating ADHD.
A thorough medical history, behavioral evaluation, and neuropsychological testing all contribute to an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. ADHD is a group of mental health conditions, according to the American Psychiatric Association, and the diagnostic process is based on evaluating findings from various sources. The initial evaluation, physical exam, and psychological and neurological testing are all parts of the process.
Specific tests can aid in the exclusion of other psychiatric disorders and medical conditions. Psychotic disorders, significant impairments, dissociative disorders, learning disabilities, and other mood disorders are examples of mental health conditions. A qualified healthcare professional can also administer specialized tests to assess various skill sets and intelligence.
ADHD Treatment
Your child’s doctor will determine the appropriate treatment based on the following factors:
- Your child’s age, medical history, and overall health
- Your preference or opinion
- The severity of the symptoms
- Expectations for the condition’s course
- The tolerance for specific therapies or medications
Common treatments include psychostimulant medication, ADHD support groups, and psychosocial treatment.
Where to Find a Good ADHD Diagnosis Service
Do you think your little one has ADHD, a personality disorder, anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions? If so, do not let the symptoms affect your child’s life. At Neuro Injury Care in Long Island, New York, we believe in helping the community through expert neurological services.
Our goal is to help those with ADHD and other neurological medical problems live healthier lives by preventing long-term disability. Having ADHD diagnosed does not mean a death sentence or a lifetime of taking pills. Many adults and children with this condition live fulfilling lives. Because of proper diagnosis and scientifically based treatments. It is always preferable to be informed. To make an appointment, call (347) 602-9530.
