Just something I've always wondered...How do doctors diagnose this disorder? I always hear that these days they diagnose pretty much anyone with ADD, but what do they do to diagnose?
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How is ADD/ADHD diagnosed?
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Well, with my son, they had him go through a series of tests. They would ask him questions like 'What is an island?' My son's answer was "sand, dirt, water and trees". This is considered incorrect....the correct answer should be 'land made up of sand and dirt surrounded by water'. There were also alot of questions asking him to put things in order or what would come next...things like that. They gave him puzzles and games and observed how he put them together and played the game. The testing was done over about two weeks. I wish there was a way to just do a blood test and get the results that way. Getting my son tested was the best thing I ever did. He is doing extremely well in school and he has great self esteem now.
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The diagnostic criteria as set out in the current edition of the standard manual (DSM-IV-TR) are:I. Either A or B:A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:Inattention1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions).5. Often has trouble organizing activities.6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).8. Is often easily distracted.9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:Hyperactivity1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.5. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.6. Often talks excessively.Impulsivity1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.2. Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder). Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if criterion 1B is met but criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.The term "ADD" is no longer used, but may be taken as equivalent to ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type.
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By that criteria, I have ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.
But only a fool would try to diagnose themselves, especially over the internet.
