Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is often diagnosed in childhood. Children with this disorder struggle to focus and attend to tasks, and may demonstrate difficulties controlling hyperactive and impulsive behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 7 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 are diagnosed with the disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of inattention in ADHD may include trouble staying on task, making careless mistakes, having difficulty following directions, seeming disorganized, having trouble concentrating, and being easily distracted, according to Robert Weis' 2008 book "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology." Inattentive persons may also appear forgetful, lose things, and have trouble listening to others. Individuals with hyperactive symptoms may fidget, struggle to sit still, be constantly moving, appear restless, and talk excessively. Impulsive symptoms include acting without thinking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting to take turns, and jumping into others' activities.
Diagnosis of Type
In diagnosing ADHD, individuals must meet the criteria for symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." Individuals with predominantly inattentive type must have six or more symptoms of inattention with fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. The opposite is true for persons with the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. For a diagnosis of the combined type, an individual must have six or more symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Diagnostic Evaluation
In order to give a diagnosis of ADHD, information must first be gathered about the individual. In children, Jerome Sattler and Robert Hodge in "Assessment of Children: Behavioral, Social, and Clinical Foundations" suggest that interviews be conducted with parents and teachers to obtain information on the child's symptoms and behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health also suggests a thorough medical evaluation be conducted to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Sattler and Hodge also discuss the importance of observing the child's behavior at home and school and evaluating the presence of symptoms and the process of their occurrence.
Tests
Another way to obtain information to aid in diagnosis is to use psychological tests or rating scales that can be given to children, parents, and teachers. Sattler and Hodge indicate that the symptoms of ADHD can be measured with specific measures such as the ADHD Symptom Checklist-4 or measures that look at the child's behavior overall, such as the Child Behavior Checklist. One measure that is commonly used to look for ADHD is the Conners Rating Scale. This is an overall behavior rating scale, but has specific items that look for the presence of ADHD symptoms. Additionally, Sattler and Hodge describe computer tests such as the Test of Variables of Attention that can be used to assess a child's ability to focus and control impulsivity. A complete evaluation should include the gathering of information from several sources, medical examination, behavior observation, and psychological testing. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the symptoms, allowing a more accurate diagnosis.
References
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- "Assessment of Children: Behavioral, Social, and Clinical Foundations, 4th edition"; Jerome Sattler and Robert Hodge; 2006
- National Institute for Mental Health: How is ADHD diagnosed?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Summary of Health Statistics for U.S. Children
