Does your child constantly fidget and fidget? Does he or she not listen to the teacher in class, or do you often complain that he or she doesn't finish a task once he or she starts it? Or, perhaps you, as an adult, find it difficult to stay focused on a task and often forget things? These may be symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , or ADHD , which is a condition that many people talk about. This is not just mischief or laziness, but a medical condition related to brain function . Let's find out more about this today.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, it's a process!
Many people think that there is one test, such as a blood test, to diagnose ADHD. But that's not the case. Diagnosing ADHD is a detailed evaluation process by a specialist . It's like solving a puzzle. The doctor collects information about the child or adult from many different angles and looks at it all to come to a final conclusion.
This process usually includes the following:
- Interviews with people close to the child, such as parents and teachers.
- Observation of the child or adult's behavior by the doctor himself.
- Using special questionnaires or rating scales to measure ADHD symptoms.
- Psychological and medical tests to determine if there are other mental or physical conditions.
Most importantly, there are many other conditions that can present with symptoms similar to ADHD, so it is essential to get a proper diagnosis, otherwise you may end up receiving the wrong treatment.
How does the doctor collect information?
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs a clear picture of the child's or adult's daily life, behavior, and learning/work patterns.
Conversations with family and teachers
This is a very important part. The doctor may ask you and your child's teachers questions like:
- Does anyone else in your family have ADHD or similar symptoms? (This condition can run in families.)
- Does your child struggle or squirm when asked to stay in one place for too long?
- When you start a task, especially a challenging one, do you stop halfway without finishing it?
- Are you easily distracted by external noises or activities?
- Are you impatient and can't wait for your turn?
- How old was your child when you first noticed these behaviors?
- In what situations are these symptoms most likely to be seen?
- What is stated on the r EPO rt cards given by schools?
Observing behavior
Sometimes the doctor may give you and the teacher a diary or checklist to keep and record your child's behavior over a few days. This is where they will pay particular attention to things like this.
| The observed characteristic | Examples |
|---|---|
| Difficulty paying attention to instructions | Even though they seem to be listening to what is being said, they don't actually do it. |
| Frequent loss of belongings | I always lose pencils, erasers, books, and toys. |
| Inability to stay in one place (Fidgeting/Squirming) | I always squirm and shake my arms and legs when I sit in the chair. |
| Being overly active at inappropriate times | When you're in a queue, you run and jump whenever you want to play quietly. |
| Responding quickly/interrupting others | Answers a question before it is fully heard. |
Other conditions with similar symptoms to ADHD
Some symptoms that are thought to be ADHD can actually be caused by other physical or psychological causes, so the doctor will check for these as well.
- Physical problems: Poor eyesight or hearing, high levels of toxins like lead in the blood, and thyroid hormone problems can also cause decreased attention.
- Other mental health conditions: Sometimes symptoms of anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disorders can resemble ADHD.
- Brain tests: In some cases, if another neurological condition is suspected, an EEG (Electroencephalogram) test, which measures the electrical activity of the brain, or a CT or MRI scan, which looks at the structure of the brain, may be recommended. However, these tests are not used to directly diagnose ADHD , but are used to rule out other diseases.
What are the three main types of ADHD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association guidelines, ADHD is divided into three main types. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present from childhood and clearly affect two or more settings, such as home, school/workplace.
| ADHD Type | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 1. Inattentive Type |
|
| 2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type | |
| 3. Combined Type | This is the most common type, and symptoms of both types (inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive) are present together. |
Diagnosing ADHD in adults
The same process is followed when diagnosing ADHD in adults. However, it is very important to confirm whether these symptoms were present in childhood . To do this, the doctor may also talk to your partner, parents, or other family members.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not bad behavior or laziness, it is a real medical condition that can be treated.
- There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. It is a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by a doctor.
- If you suspect your child or you have ADHD, the first thing to do is make sure there are no other physical or mental problems.
- After an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan consisting of medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both can help control symptoms and lead a successful life.
- If you have any doubts or questions about this, please talk to your family doctor or a pediatrician.
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