Getting diagnosed with ADHD

A relatively common disorder, ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been found to affect almost 3% of children of school-going age, although it can be found in adults as well. Male children are found to be affected about 6-8 times more than females. If you are looking for how to get diagnosed with ADHD, then this article will guide you when to suspect if your child is having ADHD and what to do next.

Historical Background

• It was in 1854; Henrich Hoff first described Attention Deficit Disorder. Since then it has been known by various names like Hyperkinetic Syndrome, Strauss Syndrome, Organic Drivenness, and Minimal Brain Damage.
• Sir George Still, a British Pediatrician, in 1902 described the condition as “an abnormal defect of moral control in children”, as he has observed that some affected children were unable to control their behavior in a similar way a typical child would.
• Presently Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is clinically classified into four clinical types:
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity or ADHD
• Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity
• Residual Type (the one seen in adults with a history of ADD in childhood)
• Hyperkinetic Conduct Disorder

We will be learning more about the first subtype i.e. ADHD, which also happens to be the commonest one.

When to suspect if your child has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)?

Usually, children suffering from ADHD show symptoms before 7 years of age, with the majority showing the signs and symptoms by their 4^th birthday. The signs and symptoms can be divided into two categories, and they often occur in more than one situation, such as in-home and school. These are:

• Features of Inattentiveness or poor attention span
• Failure in finishing tasks started
• Shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
• Unable to stick to time-consuming tasks
• Doesn’t appear to listen or carry out instructions
• Appears forgetful and often loses things
• Gets distracted easily, usually by external stimuli
• Features of Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
• Constantly fidgeting
• Finds it difficult to sit still in one position for long, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
• Often talks excessively
• Excessive physical movement
• Often interferes in other people’s activities
• Acts before thinking
• Finds it difficult to wait for their turn at work or play

These symptoms often end up causing a significant problem in a child’s life, like underachievement in school reflected by poor grades, poor social interaction as well as problems with discipline. If your child is showing such symptoms, it is prudent to visit a psychiatrist.

How to get diagnosed with ADHD?

If you find your child is showing the above features, you should visit a child or adult psychiatrist, who can diagnose the condition based on

• Teacher’s school report
• Parents report
• Clinical Examination

A psychiatrist may use what is called the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD. But the good thing is, multiple therapy options are ranging from behavioral modification therapy to drug therapies like dexamphetamine, atomoxetine, which can be used to treat the condition. But what is important is to visit a psychiatrist once you suspect that your child has ADHD, so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and treated effectively.

Bonus Read: Do you know that Michael Phelps (Olympic Athlete, Swimmer), Adam Levine (Singer, Maroon 5), Justin Timberlake (Singer), Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnast), Howie Mandel (Game show host and standup comedian); all had suffered from ADHD and all are high achievers!