How is ADHD Diagnosed in Children and Adults?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and teens.

So, how is ADHD diagnosed in children and adults? Doctors take several steps to decide whether a child has ADHD. If you are always worried that your child may have ADHD, the initial step is to talk to a health professional.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Health care professionals use the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual- 5 (DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD.

Individuals with ADHD demonstrate persistent lack of attention as well as hyperactivity– impulsivity that meddles with their everyday functioning or development.

Inattention:

There should be at least six symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or at least five for adolescents who are aged 17 and older. Symptoms of inattention should be present for not less than 6 months. These symptoms include the following:

• Frequently does not appear to listen when addressed specifically
• Regularly does not follow instructions and neglects to complete schoolwork, tasks, or obligations in the work environment, such as easily losing focus or easily sidetracked
• Frequently loses things that are important for assignments and exercises (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, apparatuses, wallets, keys, printed material, eyeglasses, cell phones)
• Is frequently absent-minded in daily activities

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

There should be at least six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or at least five symptoms for adolescents 17 and up. These symptoms should exist at least for six months:

• Regularly fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms while sitting
• Regularly leaves the seat in circumstances when staying seated is expected
• Frequently keeps running about or moves in circumstances where it isn’t suitable
• Regularly unfit to play or participate in leisure activities quietly
• Is regularly “in a hurry” though “driven by an engine”
• Regularly talks excessively
• Regularly proclaims an answer before a question has been finished
• Frequently experiences difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Regularly hinders or interferes with others (e.g., barges in on discussions or games)

ADHD can continue into adulthood. To diagnose ADHD in adults and adolescents aged 17 or more, just 5 symptoms are required rather than the 6 required for younger children.

If you want to know more about ADHD, visit your psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatrician now!

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-Medical Observer