Typically the characteristics of ADHD are invariably seen in kids with this disorder.
There are other explanations that might account for the behavior that your child exhibits and these need to be considered along with a possible ADHD diagnosis.
This means that just because the child exhibits certain behaviors that indicate they have ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder) it does not necessarily mean that they do.
With this in mind it is vital that a proper diagnosis is obtained from a healthcare professional who is suitably qualified to render such a diagnosis.
If you are able to have a basic understanding of the symptoms and behaviors associated with this disorder you will then be able to have greater peace of mind.
You will be able to determine whether you require further help for clarification purposes or not.
First and foremost you need to understand that there are three subtypes that fall within the spectrum of ADHD.
Your child might be one of the many children who do not exhibit all of the different characteristics of ADHD.
The mental health professional will determine what characteristics your child does exhibit and then decide which category or subtype of ADHD he or she has.
The three subtypes of ADHD are: 1.
Predominantly inattentive type 2.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type 3.
Predominantly combined type (i.
e.
The child has symptoms of both the previous two types) This highly common mental disorder has three main characteristics and your child will be evaluated to determine where they are placed in the ADHD spectrum.
Part of the diagnostic procedure will include an interview that the mental health expert will do with your child, you, his or her teachers, and any other adults that are prominent in your child's life.
By conducting the evaluation or assessment the mental health expert can determine whether your child has all of the following characteristics or not: 1.
Inattention - The characteristics of the child that is in this category include: * Distractibility (easily distracted by small stimuli).
* Inattention (they appear to not listen when spoken to directly).
* Have problems keeping organized.
* Tendency to lose things.
2.
Hyperactivity - The characteristics of the child that is in this category include: * Moving around a lot when they should be sitting quietly.
* Fidgeting a lot.
* Talking a lot.
* Never able to be still.
* Running, climbing, etc.
when it is not appropriate to do so.
3.
Impulsivity - The characteristics of the child that falls into this category include: * Impatience (do not like to wait for their turn).
* Will interrupt activities and conversations.
* Will blurt out the answers to questions that have either not been posed to them or are not asked completely.
* Reckless behavior.
* Unaware or unconcerned about the consequences of their behavior (i.
e.
they will think nothing of running out into the street or jumping off something that is very high).
Because many of the characteristics of ADHD are like those that one encounters in an active or energetic child there are many people who question whether the disorder is a real disorder or not.
What has to be remembered however, is that ADHD characteristics are extreme in nature.
They cannot be ignored or overlooked because of their extreme nature and severity.
They impact the life of the child negatively whether they are at home or at school or elsewhere.
This is not a new disorder or phenomenon affecting modern children.
In fact the characteristics and symptoms have been seen for many, many years.
Situations within the child's life do not explain away the characteristics so one cannot blame a divorce or the arrival of a new baby on the scene.
In other words, the behaviors associated with the disorder are not typical of age.
In fact the symptoms often become noticeable even before the child attains the age of seven years and will have been prevalent for a long period of time.
Once the diagnosis has been made after the evaluation and assessment process has been completed, the mental health expert will then recommend treatment based upon the category of ADHD that your child is in.
Depending upon where you live the treatment usually takes the form of ADHD medications like Ritalin or Adderall.
These are stimulant drugs that are rather dangerous and controversial.
Alternative treatments and remedies are gaining in popularity because of the controversy surround stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD drugs.
These warrant closer scrutiny if you are a concerned parent.
Along with medication the child will also undergo behavioral therapy but again, this depends upon where you live.