ADD and ADHD Definitions

ADHD: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder. Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a group name for behaviors which many children and adults have. ADHD causes that people who have it having trouble concentrating and paying attention. They seem to be much more active and/or impulsive than their group-mates from the same age. These behaviors can cause enormous problems in areas such as relationships, learning and behavior. Children with ADHD are often misdiagnosed as just "being difficult" or having "normal" behavior problems. ADHD begins in childhood.

ADHD causes deficits in executive function: the ability to complete tasks, plan and think ahead, control impulses, organize, and follow through. You can help your child in learning to acquire these executive skills on their own by having a positive attitude and common sense. Common sense will tell you which behaviors to work on the most, when to negotiate and when to stand firm, and how to head off problems before they start. A positive attitude will help you see the small, praiseworthy successes that can add up to permanent improvement in your child's behavior.

There are two main categories of symptoms: Inattention and Hyperactivity. An inattentive person will exhibit the following: very easily distracted, often make careless mistakes in school or at work, might neglect to pay attention to details, will often start off strong on a task but then fail to complete it, trouble following directions and often forget things, procrastinators, might have difficulty with housework/remembering paying bills, difficulty sleeping, as their mind is occupied by too many thoughts, they become frustrated easily, have emotional outbursts, and frequent mood swings, seems disorganized, is easily distracted.

Symptoms of hyperactivity would be: Can't sit still, moves hands and feet, fidgety, very impulsive behavior, having trouble listening/paying attention to others, children have trouble playing quietly, difficulty waiting in line / waiting for their turn, runs or climbs inappropriately, blurts out answers, interrupts people, talk too much, is always on the go. For a child to be properly diagnosed, they must display symptoms for at least a three month period.

In diagnosing ADHD, the process of "clinical judgment" is used. There are no lab tests that can be used to determine the disorder. this process involves a doctor asking specific questions about the patient's behavior and symptoms as well as other factors in their life. The symptoms have to fit into the ADHD profile only, to be properly diagnosed.

The information is usually collected from parents and teachers, since they are closest to them. This is a behavioral condition, so the patient's behavior has to be evaluated. Teachers are questioned because children act differently at school than at home. The diagnosis is more accurate when data is collected from both parents and teachers. If they disagree, the doctor should look for a different diagnosis.

Having parents fill out symptom questionnaires is another way to conclude a diagnosis. One of the questionnaires is about symptoms, and another is about the medical and psychological issues. A third evaluation should also be taken into consideration- the patient's medical condition and a physical. Make sure to be as honest and accurate as possible to get a proper diagnosis.

Parentinginformed.com is an excellent resource for parenting tips, as well as tips on child development.