ADHD – Atteention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Children

In general, a child should not be diagnosed with ADHD unless the underlying symptoms of ADHD begin early in life – before age 12 – and cause significant problems persistently at home and school.

There is no specific test for ADHD , but diagnostic procedures will likely include:
• Medical examination, to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms
• Gather information, such as information on current medical problems, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers, or other people who know your child well, such as caregivers, babysitters, and coaches
• The criteria for ADHD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) , published by the American Psychiatric Association
• ADHD rating scales to help collect and evaluate information about your child
• Diagnosing young children with ADHD.

Although signs of ADHD can appear in preschoolers or younger children, diagnosing the disorder in young children is very difficult. That’s because developmental problems, such as delayed language skills, may be confused with ADHD .

Therefore, children of preschool age or younger who are suspected of having ADHD, are likely to need evaluation by a professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, speech pathologist or child development specialist.

A number of diseases or their treatments may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD . Examples include:
• Learning or language problems
• Mood diseases; Such as depression or anxiety
• Seizure disorders
• Vision or hearing problems
• Treatment of mental transmission disorder
• Medical problems or drugs that affect thinking or behavior
• Sleep disorders
• Brain injury