ADHD Information
- Is there a single cause of AD(H)D behaviours?
- How is it Diagnosed?
- Are AD(H)D drugs safe?
- Do AD(H)D drugs work?
- If not drugs then what is the answer?
- Is help available?
How is AD(H)D diagnosed?
There are no brain scans, laboratory tests or other scientific tests that can identify AD(H)D in a child or adult. In children the diagnosis of AD(H)D is entirely based on observations of how a child behaves. Usually the diagnosing doctors will not witness the AD(H)D behaviours. They often rely on information provided by parents and teachers. Adults diagnosed AD(H)D often provide the only reports of their behaviour to the diagnosing doctor.
The diagnostic criteria for AD(H)D are set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMIV) which says "there are no laboratory tests, neurobiological assessments, or attentional assessments that have been established as diagnostic in the clinical assessment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder". (1)
The diagnostic criteria specify that a child has AD(H)D if they "often" show at least 6 of 9 of the following inattentive or impulsive/hyperactive behaviours to an extent that is considered dysfunctional at home and school over a period of 6 months.
Inattention
- fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work or chores
- has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort such as schoolwork or homework
- loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools) easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- forgetful in daily activities
Impulsivity/Hyperactivity
- fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
- runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness
- has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
- talks excessively
- blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- has difficulty awaiting turn
- interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
These behaviours are displayed by most children and adults, at various times. There is no clear distinction between "normal" and "AD(H)D behaviour" which is one reason the diagnosis is so controversial.
(1) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition, American Psychiatric Association, 1994 (DSM-IV), pp.86-88.
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