Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing)[4] X Expert Source Kirsten Thompson, MDBoard Certified Psychiatrist Expert Interview. 18 August 2021. Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to them Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc. Is easily distracted Is forgetful
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless (a child would run or climb inappropriately) Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait their turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games
A psychiatrist is trained in diagnosing ADHD and is licensed to prescribe medication. This person may not be trained in counseling. A psychologist is trained in diagnosing ADHD and is trained in counseling. This person is not licensed to prescribe medication in most states; however, psychologists in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Illinois can prescribe medication. [9] X Research source Your family doctor is familiar with your medical history but may lack the specialized knowledge about ADHD. This person is also not trained in counseling.
Talk with your parents or other family members about your family medical history. ADHD can be genetic, so it is helpful for your doctor to know about your family’s past medical issues.
If you think your child has ADHD, bring his or her report cards and samples of school work to the appointment. The mental health professional may also request behavior reports from your child’s teachers. [12] X Research source
If your child is getting tested for ADHD, you as parent will also fill out a Vanderbilt Assessment Scale questionnaire.
There are scales for parents and teachers as well as for the individual. The combination of these scales will assess the individual’s positive and negative behaviors.
There are two versions of this checklist: one is for preschoolers aged 1½ to 5, and another for children aged 6 to 18. [20] X Research source
The Food and Drug Administration in the U. S. has approved the use of this test for children aged 6 to 17. Some experts consider this exam to be cost-prohibitive. They don’t think the test adds information that can’t already be assessed from the usual procedures for diagnosing ADHD. [22] X Research source
Cognitive behavioral therapy directly geared toward treating ADHD has been useful for many patients. This type of therapy addresses some of the core problems caused by ADHD, such as time management and organizational issues. [28] X Research source You may also suggest to family members to visit a therapist. Therapy can also provide a safe place for family members to vent their frustrations in a healthy way and work out issues with professional guidance.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) distributes information via its website, through webinars, and via newsletters. It also provides electronic support, one-on-one live support, and conferences for adults with ADHD. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 and now has over 12,000 members. It provides information, training, and advocacy for persons with ADHD and those who care about them. ADDitude Magazine is a free online resource that provides information, strategies, and support for adults with ADHD, children with ADHD, and parents of persons with ADHD. ADHD & You provides resources for adults with ADHD, parents of children with ADHD, teachers and healthcare providers who serve persons with ADHD. It includes a section of online videos for teachers and guidelines for school staff to work more successfully with students who have ADHD.
The first, the basal ganglia, regulates the movement of muscles and signals which should be working and which should be at rest during given activities. [30] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) If a child is sitting at his desk in the classroom, for example, the basal ganglia should send a message telling the feet to rest. But the feet don’t get the message, thus remaining in motion when the child is seated. [31] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) The second brain structure that is smaller than normal in a person with ADHD is the prefrontal cortex,[32] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) which is the brain’s hub for conducting higher-order executive tasks[33] X Research source Serotonin and Prefrontal Cortex Function: Neurons, Networks, and Circuits by M. V. Puig and A. T. Gulledge in Molecular Neurobiology, Vol 44, issue 3 (December 2011). . This is where memory and learning[34] X Research source Serotonin and Prefrontal Cortex Function: Neurons, Networks, and Circuits by M. V. Puig and A. T. Gulledge in Molecular Neurobiology, Vol 44, issue 3 (December 2011). and attention regulation[35] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) come together to help us function intellectually.
The prefrontal cortex influences the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine. [37] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) Dopamine is tied directly to the ability to focus[38] X Research source Fight Back With Food by Tana Amen, R. N. in ADDitude Magazine (Winter 2014). and tends to be at lower levels in persons with ADD. [39] X Research source Why Is My Child’s ADHD Not Better Yet? Recognizing The Undiagnosed Secondary Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Child’s Treatment by David Gottlieb, Thomas Shoaf, and Risa Graff (2006) Serotonin, another neurotransmitter found in the prefrontal cortex,[40] X Research source Serotonin and Prefrontal Cortex Function: Neurons, Networks, and Circuits by M. V. Puig and A. T. Gulledge in Molecular Neurobiology, Vol 44, issue 3 (December 2011). impacts mood, sleep, and appetite. [41] X Research source Fight Back With Food by Tana Amen, R. N. in ADDitude Magazine (Winter 2014). Eating chocolate, for instance, spikes serotonin causing a temporary feeling of well-being; when serotonin drops low, however, depression and anxiety result. [42] X Research source Fight Back With Food by Tana Amen, R. N. in ADDitude Magazine (Winter 2014).
