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May 3, 2010
Children With ADHD: Symptoms and Diagnosis
By John Bradstreet
ADHD is the most common diagnosis given to children today. It affects between 4 to 12% of school age children and can have a negative effect on their ability to learn in school and to function with other family members and playmates. We explain what symptoms you need to be looking for and how to properly have your child diagnosed.
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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADHD
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD is condition that makes it hard for children to control their behavior. This is one of the more common diagnoses given to children today. Under normal conditions children will exhibit periods of over activity but a child with ADHD this turns into a problem that affects normal daily activity. They will experience persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness that prevent them from completing normal activities such as schoolwork.
It is estimated that somewhere between 4 to 12% of children in school experience this condition. Boys will be diagnosed almost three times more often than girls.
So what are the causes of ADHD? The truth is that with all the research on the subject we still do not have a clear answer to that question. We have learned much about the condition itself though.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR
A child with ADHD may show a lack of social skills. It may be difficult for them to get along with their peers. Learning may also be hampered in these children if the condition is left untreated. If your child has this condition he or she may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms.
DIAGNOSING A CHILD WITH ADHD
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has come out with a set of guidelines to help medical professionals diagnose ADHD in children that range from age 6 to 12 years. These guidelines will look at a broad range of functioning.
They will want to evaluate if the symptoms displayed by the child occur in more than one setting. They will look at home life, behavior in school and behavior with other caregivers that spend time with the child.
They will want to know if the symptoms affect the child's ability to learn at school, get along with family members and playmates and the degree that it affects daily activity.
Your doctor will also want to know if any of these symptoms became evident before the age of seven and if they persisted for more than six months.
The process that your pediatrician will take to determine if the child has ADHD will take several steps. This is because at this time there is no proven test to determine if a child has this condition.
In conclusion, a child that exhibits signs that are consistent with ADHD will be affected at school and in other social settings and may have an adverse affect on their lives in general. The only person that will be able to determine if this condition does exist is a trained medical professional. You want to seek out someone who has experience in treating these children and has a proven track record. You may want to start by contacting the AAP to see if they can suggest someone in your area that follows the guidelines that they have set.
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