Diagnosing ADHD
Officially bestowed with its own medical terminology in the 1980’s, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively new addition to the catalogue of human disorders. Though doctors have been studying the symptoms and causes of hyperactivity and inattention for nearly a century, they were hesitant to distinguish the specific set of symptoms that today comprises ADHD. Indeed, the behaviors and circumstances of those who suffer from the condition are varied and objective; one patient’s symptoms may be radically different from the next. Behavior is not quantifiable, and professionals often disagree on what constitutes a case of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is tricky because it doesn’t involve a battery of medical tests. Blood work and x-rays will tell you nothing. To diagnose the disorder, you’ll need to observe a patient’s social and work habits over a prolonged period so that you can rule out any simple behavioral aberrations. It is normal for people to experience periods of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Just because someone demonstrates these traits from time to time doesn’t necessarily infer the presence of ADHD. To be diagnosed, an adult or child must display such behavior for at least 6 months, and to a degree that would be considered unusual or severe.
Clinicians, counselors, and even teachers are today being trained to discern symptoms of ADHD. There are many traits pertaining to behavior and work ethic that afflict a sufferer of the disorder, beginning with aspects of inattention. These symptoms include: becoming easily bored, struggling to focus and complete tasks, and not following clearly delineated directions. The hyperactivity component refers to patients who tend to fidget, talk nonstop, and have trouble sitting still. Lastly, impulsivity suggests that someone is typically impatient, emotionally unrepressed, and unable to wait for any period of time. While most of these behaviors are common to most people, they might point to ADHD when they are exhibited constantly and to a degree that inhibits social ability and success in work or school.
Normal behaviors are often mistaken for symptoms of ADHD when they are not observed for a long enough period of time. Because symptoms and severity vary from person to person, a health professional will best be able to make an informed diagnosis. In most cases, children will experience persisting symptoms before the age of 6. However, problems may not present themselves until years later. Teachers often see the warning signs first because school presents an environment that may cater to social and work-related disruptions in students with ADHD. By speaking with parents, teachers, and by administering written and observational tests, doctors and counselors will gain the best picture about a patient who may or may not suffer from the disorder.
Parents who think their children may be struggling with ADHD should first consult the teacher to see if he or she has picked up on any prolonged and severe behavioral clues. A medical professional should then be consulted about making a clinical diagnosis and approaching a means to manage and treat the disorder.
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