ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD means having increased movement, impulsive actions, a shorter attention span, and being easily distracted. If you have hyperactivity, you may become anxious or depressed because of your condition and how people respond to it. Hyperactivity is often a symptom of an underlying mental or physical health condition.
The process of formal diagnosis begins with an evaluation. Professionals call this an assessment. The assessment may or may not yield a diagnosis. If it does yield a diagnosis, it may not be ADHD. The process begins with the assumption of health and well-being. The assessment process begins to identify exceptions to that assumption. The deviation from healthy averages, informs the diagnostic process. It also yields solutions to problems that may be uncovered and identified, such as ADHD.
There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual child and family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring of whether and how much the treatment helps the child's behavior, as well as making changes as needed along the way. To find the best options, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child's life—healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members. Treatment for ADHD includes behavior therapy, training for parents, and medications.
Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. The diagnostic process involves having a medical examination and comprehensive assessment.
In general, individuals affected by ADHD often have other behavioral disorders that impact their ability to function successfully. About 60-80% of the time, someone with ADHD will also have another disorder. Likewise, about 25% of all children with ADHD also have a mood, depressive, or anxiety disorder.
