How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

 ADHD Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a psychological disorder that comes from a neurodevelopmental delay that begins in childhood in a person. People with this condition face difficulty integrating into the classroom and learning from their teachers. They do not abide by the separation laws, which leads to a deterioration in the school performance of these children because of their inability to focus and not because they are not intelligent. This caused many people to believe that these children are troublemakers by nature.

Dealing with children with hyperactivity and attention deficit poses a significant challenge for their parents, teachers at school, and even the pediatrician and the child himself sometimes. This situation is not considered a learning difficulty but rather a behavioral problem for the child, and these children are usually hyperactive and impulsive. They cannot focus on something for more than a few minutes, symptoms of the disorder typically increase with age. They may also have additional problems, such as sleep disturbances and anxiety.

ADHD subtypes

ADHD has three subtypes:

1- The type that is predominantly hyperactive and impulsive

2- The type that is predominantly lacking in attention

Children with this type of disorder are less likely to be unable to perform the tasks assigned to them or to have difficulty keeping up with their peers. They may also sit quietly but not be aware of what they are doing. Therefore, this child may be neglected, and parents and teachers may not notice the symptoms of ADHD.

3- The type in which hyperactivity and impulsivity combine with lack of attention at the same time

Studied showed that most children with ADHD have type 3.

Symptoms of ADHD

-Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes negligent mistakes in homework and other activities.

-Often has difficulty paying attention always when completing tasks or engaging in play activities.

-It often seems that he does not listen to whom he is talking to directly.

-Often does not adhere to instructions and often avoids, dislikes, or resents engaging in tasks that require constant mental effort

-Often, loses essential things and forgets about daily activities.

 -Fidgeting with their hand or foot or writhing in the seat.

-Often wandering around or climbing excessively in situations where he should not be doing this.

-Often has difficulty playing or participating quietly in recreational activities.

-Usually “very active” or talkative.

-Often, must rush to answers before the question is finished and find it difficult to wait their turn.

-Frequently interrupting others’ conversations, games, or intrusion on them.

-Make inappropriate comments, express feelings without restraint, and act without regard for the consequences. And the difficulty of waiting for them to get the things they want

Causes of ADHD

1-Abnormalities and structural changes in the brain are a precursor to this disorder

2-The factors causing the disorder are due to hereditary characteristics, not too bad or wrong choices made by parents. At the same time, some environmental factors may influence or exacerbate a child’s behavior.

3-Change in brain structure or performance: decreased activity in the brain regions responsible for action and attention.

4-Heredity: ADHD appears to be transmitted genetically, from generation to generation.

5-Maternal smoking during pregnancy, use of addictive substances, and exposure to toxic substances: A pregnant woman who smokes increases the likelihood of having a child with ADHD. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and the use of addictive substances during pregnancy may cause a decrease in the activity of the nerve cells that produce chemical messengers. Pregnant women exposed to toxic environmental pollutants are more likely to have children with deficit focus and attention disorder symptoms.

6-Having problems while growing. The presence of central nervous system problems at critical times of development can play a role.

Diagnosis of ADHD

The disorder is difficult to diagnose in very young children, and the reason for this is that development-related problems, such as language delay, may be attributed to ADHD. Therefore, it is more likely for preschool-age or younger children who are suspected of having the disorder. Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) needs to be evaluated by a professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult since there is some disagreement over whether the list of symptoms used in analyzing children and adolescents also applies to adults.