ADD/ADHD Diagnosis

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• QAre boys diagnosed with ADHD more than girls?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Recent data from surveys of parents indicate that boys (13.2 percent) were more likely than girls (5.6 percent) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

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• QWhat is the diagnosis process for ADHD?

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  A Constance Mofunanya, DNP , Pediatric Nursing, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  Diagnosis of ADHD by DSM-IV criteria require that symptoms criteria must be present in at least two settings (home and school), and present before age 7. Diagnosis of attention deficit requires at least 6 of the 9 possible symptoms. Diagnosis of the hyperactivity-impulsivity type requires at least 6 of the 9 symptoms.
  
  Specific symptoms of inattention are:

  • Dose not pay attention to detail
  • Has difficulty sustaining attention at school
  • Dose not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Does not follow through on instructions or finish task
  • Has difficulty organizing task
  • Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that requires sustained mental effort
  • Often losses things
  • Is easily distracted
  • Is forgetful

  Specific symptoms of hyperactivities are:

  • Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms
  • Often leaves seat in class room or elsewhere
  • Often runs about or climbs excessively
  • Has difficulty playing quietly
  • Often on the g, acting as if driven by motor
  • Often talks excessively

  Specific symptoms of Impulsivity:

  • Often blurts out answers before question are completed
  • Often has difficulty awaiting turn
  • Often interrupts and intrudes on others

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• QWhat are the different types of ADD?

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  A Amen Clinics, Inc. answered

  Attention deficit disorder (ADD), like many other conditions, is not just a single and simple disorder; therefore, treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Seven types of ADD have now been identified from brain scans using  single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These brain scans make it possible to observe abnormal blood flow patterns and  better understand brain function. Based on nearly 100,000 brain scans, the seven types of ADD are: 

  • Type 1: Classic ADD
  • Type 2: Inattentive ADD
  • Type 3: Overfocused ADD
  • Type 4: Temporal lobe ADD
  • Type 5: Limbic ADD
  • Type 6: Ring of fire ADD
  • Type 7: Anxious ADD
• QIs there a test that can diagnose ADHD unequivocally?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Unfortunately, diagnosing ADHD is not as simple as diagnosing something like a heart attack or chicken pox. There is no single test that can be used to diagnose ADHD.

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• QWhat is the first step if I think my child has ADHD?

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  A Greenville Health System answered

  If you think that your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), talk to your pediatrician. Pediatricians can guide you in ADHD diagnosis and treatment options. If you are unsure about whether you should seek help or not, consider the following: Young people with ADHD often struggle in school, especially if they do not get treated early on. They also struggle socially. Children with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health problems than other children. They may also abuse drugs and alcohol at higher rates.
  
  These are situations that you want your child to avoid. If you feel that your child needs help, get advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may help your child avoid some serious problems later in life.
  The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
• QHow can I help my child do well in school?

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  A Dr. Heath A. Cobb, MD , Pediatrics, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  Follow these steps to help your child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do his homework:

  Step 1: Determine a reasonable amount of time for your child to spend on homework each night (no more than 30 minutes). Schedule a daily time to perform the homework when a parent or adult is available to monitor the homework session. Avoid scheduling the session too late at night.
  Step 2: Select a permanent place to do the homework. Select a quiet spot that is away from family traffic but not so remote to prevent monitoring of the homework.
  Step 3: Break the homework into manageable amounts of time. For example, if your homework session is for 20 minutes, have your child do two 10-minute sessions with a short break in between sessions.
  Step 4: Break the homework into manageable amounts of work. Divide assignments into smaller units. For example, if your child has to write 20 spelling words in a sentence, assign 5 to 10 words for each of the two 10-minute sessions.
  Step 5: Make sure that your child is prepared to begin the homework. Provide the necessary materials, and discuss the assignment to ensure that your child understands the directions. Answer your child's questions, and do a few sample problems before beginning the session.
  Step 6: Place a digital timer to indicate when each homework session begins and ends. For example, if your child is performing two 10-minute sessions, set the timer for 10 minutes. Make sure that your child knows how much work has to be completed within the time period.
  Step 7: Begin the timer and leave the room. Return to the room on occasion (every 5 minutes or so) to monitor your child's progress, answer questions, and offer encouragement and praise. Make your stay brief!
  Step 8: When time has expired, check your child's work for completion and accuracy. Have your child immediately correct any mistakes.
  Step 9: Provide a token incentive if your child successfully completed the work expectations within the time limits. For example, your child may earn one point on a reward chart.
  Step 10: If your child failed to complete the work within the time limit, consider the following options:

  • Do not provide the token incentive.
  • Remove a previously earned token.
  • Repeat the homework session using the same work expectations and time limits. (However, do not provide a token incentive on this repeat trial.)

  Step 11: Repeat the procedure until all of the homework sessions are completed.

• QWhen adults are tested for ADHD, does a doctor screen for other problems?

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  A Dr. Douglas E. Severance, MD , Family Medicine, answered

  In many cases, more than one specific psychiatric disorder can coexist with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That is why it is important for the diagnosing clinician to screen for other psychiatric disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or depression, when completing the series of evaluations for ADHD.

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• QWhy is it difficult to diagnose ADHD in teens?

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  A Dr. Douglas E. Severance, MD , Family Medicine, answered

  Teens don’t always show the same attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms as younger children, which can make diagnosis difficult. For example, teens may not be hyperactive, but they may have problems with organization and long-term planning that did not matter when they were younger. Now that their schoolwork makes greater demands on them, their ADHD symptoms are noticeable.
  
  Another problem with diagnosing ADHD in teens is that symptoms such as low self-esteem can be mistaken for other disorders, such as depression.