ADHD, formally known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common childhood condition characterized by varying degrees of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Testing for the syndrome involves both a general diagnosis and the identification of specific related symptoms. Because of the variety of potential symptoms, an accurate diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult.
Diagnostic Difficulties
Children commonly struggle with concentration, do impulsive things or get distracted at one time or another, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In addition, children naturally exhibit a wide range of differences in energy levels, maturation rates, temperaments and personalities. For these reasons, ADHD is sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal childhood behavior.
In many cases, the first signs of the syndrome appear in classrooms, where hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention conflict with strictly organized surroundings. You may also notice that your child appears more uncontrolled than other children, or loses interest in common activities more easily, notes the National Institute of Mental Health or NIMH.
Testing Criteria
Mental health professionals and pediatricians use a number of methods to overcome difficulties in diagnosing ADHD, NIMH explains. They first look to see if other conditions or situations are mimicking the effects of ADHD. Potential problems here include learning disabilities, undiagnosed hearing difficulties, family-related stress and psychological disorders such as depression.
Experts will review your child's medical and school records, speak with adults who know your child and make direct observations of your child's behavior in a variety of home and social situations, notes the NIMH.
Diagnosis Criteria
Using information gathered on your child, doctors will make an ADHD diagnosis if several criteria are met, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. First, your child must exhibit at least some of the symptoms of ADHD before the age of seven. These symptoms cannot be attributed to any other cause and must appear in two or more settings for longer than six months. In addition, your child's symptoms must cause significant disruption of relationships in a variety of situations, including peer interactions, school and home life. (See References 2)
ADHD Symptoms
Medline Plus lists symptoms of ADHD-related hyperactivity that include difficulty playing quietly, fidgeting or squirming while seated, excessive talking and climbing or running at inappropriate times. Symptoms of your child's ADHD-related impulsivity may include intrusions or interruptions during games or conversations, blurted speech and difficulty waiting in turn-based situations. Symptoms of ADHD-related inattention may include not listening when spoken to, easy distraction, difficulties with organization, forgetfulness during everyday actions and failure to give or maintain attention.
ADHD Types
Doctors subdivide children with ADHD into three main diagnostic categories, NIMH reports. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive children have six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity combined with less than six symptoms of inattention.
Predominantly inattentive children have six or more symptoms of inattention combined with less than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. If your child has six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity combined with six or more symptoms of inattention, he has combined ADHD. Most children fall into this combined category, NIMH notes.
