Decoding ADD and ADHD with Children
- Dor Cohen
- Feb 18, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Is your child often lost in daydreams at school, easily distracted during homework, or constantly fidgeting? The question of whether it's Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may arise. In 1994, doctors unified these terms under ADHD, encompassing three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Choosing the right term depends on your child's symptoms, warranting a discussion with a mental health provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Signs to Watch For
ADHD, a brain-based disorder, can disrupt daily activities at home and school. Recognizing symptoms is crucial before diagnosis. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist, including:
Inattention: Disorganization, constant daydreaming, trouble staying on task.
Impulsivity: Spur-of-the-moment decisions, frequent interruptions.
Hyperactivity: Squirming, fidgeting, tapping, and inappropriate constant movement.
Healthcare professionals in the U.S. use the DSM to diagnose ADHD, categorizing it into three types based on symptoms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
ADHD Inattentive
Characterized by a lack of hyperactivity, kids with inattentive ADHD may seem shy or absorbed in their own world. The diagnosis involves 6 or more symptoms of inattention for at least 6 consecutive months, without hyperactivity signs.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Children with this form have excessive energy, noticeable by behaviours such as blurting out answers, constant interruptions, and impulsive actions. It requires 6 or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least 6 months.
ADHD Combined Type
This type involves symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Getting a Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals like psychiatrists follow guidelines to diagnose ADHD, gathering information from various sources. A comprehensive diagnosis ensures an accurate understanding of your child's needs and paves the way for tailored interventions.
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