What is ADHD?

ADHD Symptoms

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) more correctly nowadays called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a common diagnosis among school age children. Estimates range between 7-10% of children having, or meeting the criteria for, an ADD and ADHD diagnosis. That averages about 2-3 children per classroom.

The diagnosis of ADHD is considered a medical diagnosis and therefore is most often made by a qualified psychiatrist or physician. However, it can also be diagnosed by a well qualified mental health professional such as a counselor or therapist specializing in clinical treatment. Concern for the existence of the disorder often occurs once a child has entered the educational system and teachers or school staff notice issues with the student’s behavior and/or academic performance.

The DSM-IV-TR® (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association) outlines the diagnostic criteria for each of the types of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder comes in three types:-

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type:- meaning the individual is both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive
• Attention-Deficit Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type:- commonly referred to as ADD
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type known as ADHD

Historically the disorder affects boys more frequently than girls. When girls are diagnosed it is often with the Inattentive type (ADD) and can occur at a later age than boys might be diagnosed. The reason is that the Inattentive type is more difficult to spot as there are no overt behavioral issues that might draw attention to the student. In contrast, ADHD (hyperactive/impulsive and combined types) encompasses a wide range of behavioral red flags thus causing the student to "stick out" and require attention

(My thanks to Kari Naegele, mother of a sufferer of ADHD and editor of www.adhd-bipolar-and-beyond.com for this introduction (ed.))

Also helpful may be learning difficulties, autism, child health and teen health