how can you tell if your 7 year old son has add or adhd?

Question

he doesnt listen at all, quite hyper 90% of the time in one day

Answer 1

i'm 15 years old and i was diagnosed with ADHD when i was about 12 or 13, it was very hard for me to accept it. I was always hyper and I could never concentrate on anything or get any assigments done or completed, but I now take medicine for it every day.
Yes, 7 year olds can be very hyper, i know this since i have a lot of younger cousins but i would take him to the doctors to get him tested. It is very important that you get him tested at this young age instead of later so that he does good in school instead of what I had to go through.
check this site out for kids with ADD or ADHD symptoms

http://www.clarocet-nri.com/wr/childadhd.php

you are also very welcome to e-mail me if you have questions.
I hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

If you are concerned, the best thing to do is make an appointment with your family physician/pediatrician and speak with him/her honestly about what you have observed. We met with our doctor and he sent us to a psychologist to have our son evaulated. With our son, the traits that concerned us were traits we had seen in him since day one, so it was not something we felt we could attribute to him being a typical 5-year-old or typical 6-year-old. Most of the medications available are safe for children ages 6 and older, so your son is most definitely old enough to at least be tested.

In any event, if you're concerned, meet with your doctor. Our son's ADHD affected his everyday life, both at school and at home. The change in him has been dramatic, and he is not comotose, his personality is still pretty much the same, he is just calmer, less nervous, deals with authority figures much more maturely, etc. You can check out the CHADD website or just do a search on the internet and answer one of the questionnaires designed to help you determine if your child fits a typical ADD/ADHD child. But your doctor would be the final authority on this and can give you and your son options. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Only a doctor can diagnose it. Not listening and being "hyper" is normal 7 year old behavior.

Answer 4

If you take your child to a doctor make sure it's a doctor who specializes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many pediatricians refer parents to the schools to the diagnosis. Input should be received from the school as well as a medical doctor such as a neurologist or a psychologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with ADHD. Some pediatricians give parents a trial of ADHD medication and if the child responds favorable (ie. teacher or parents have no compliants), then the child is diagnosed with the condition.

See criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:

1.

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:

Inattention

1.

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 behavior 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.

2.

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:

Hyperactivity

1.

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.

Impulsivity

1.

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).

2.

Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
3.

Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
4.

There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
5.

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:

1.

ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
2.

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months
3.

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

Answer 5

Take him to a specialist for testing, although I have learned that at an early age, ADHD does not always show up in the testing results. If you have a major university nearby, they sometimes have psychiatry departments using grad students to help with the testing for a much reduced cost.

Answer 6

He does have ADHD.

I saw this one episode of Malcolm in the Middle yesterday and the oldest brother was giving the baby like 4 energy drinks a day and he was quite hyper. Is your son drinking 4 energy drinks a day? :-P

Answer 7

has he grown up infront of the TV?
televisions fast pace trains the brain towards hyper behavior

was he raised in a day care system?
day cares are busy places and creates hyper behavior

does he drink any caffinated sodas or drinks?
caffine obviously makes kids hyper (as does sugar and red dye)

Answer 8

Seven year old boys are all hyper, but if you are concerned you could have him tested. You can have the school test him or talk to his pediatrician. Good luck!

Answer 9

I don't believe all that hyper stuff. I think it can be controlled with diet & excersize. All the schools want to put your kids on ridlin,and it aint necessary!! It is too hard for a parent that has a full time job.A kid should not be unable to focus.I believ-in paying serious attension to their emotions and they don't act hyper.

Answer 10

He is seven years old, I do not believe you need to worry that he has ADD or any other behavior problems. Besides the point ADD is nothing to worry about it is something that one can live with, with no difficulties.