How do you know if your child has ADHD?

Question

My son is 4 years old. He's been acting differently compare to children his age. It is hard to control him. Our neighbors told us "maybe your son has ADHD". What is ADHD?

Answer 1

For starters ADHD cannot be diagnosed in children under the age of five and the only way to diagnose ADHD is to have a brain scan done. I would get the scan done before you let some doctor put your kid on Ritilan. Do your research on the drug because it can be dangerous and have an addiction potential the same as cocaine.

I do not need to go back to school as I work around this every day. You are more than welcome to ask any of the 17 doctors that I work with on a daily basis and see what they tell you. I've been in the medical field for years, as I am also a Certified Surgical Technician. I work with psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, you name it honey, and I know exactly what I am talking about. ADHD cannot be diagnosed merely by asking questions no matter what nature they are. Brain SPECT imaging is used to make a true diagnosis of ADHD. I graduated with a 4.0 so I am pretty confident that I know what I am talking about. This is the only way to get a TRUE diagnosis.

Answer 2

ADHD stands for Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder. My son was diagnosed with that when he was 4. He had a complete neurological exam at a local children's hospital, was diagnosed and started taking ritalin. The change in him was like night and day. WHen he was in kindergarten, I was sitting in his class on parent's visiting day. The children were filling out a ditto that had short words with the vowel in the middle missing and they had to fill in the blank. For example, there was a picture of a dog and next to it, it said d_g and they had to fill in the missing letter. There was a whole page of this. My son did very well (under the influence of his medicine) and was one of the first kids to complete the ditto and followed the teacher's instruction to turn in the ditto and put his pencil away. I watched him for a while and then I went to a different classroom to see my daughter. After a while, I went back to see my son and his medicine was starting to wear off. They were doing a similar exercise with words and he could not complete the ditto. He seemed like he didn't know the answers and got very frustrated and started crying. He was like a completely different child and could not function in the classroom as he could just a few hours before. The doctor perscribed an additional dose to be give mid-day so it would last throughout the school day. He has done very well and is now in 9th grade at a prestigious private school. I know people say that ADHD is diagnosed too often and medication is given too quickly but for some kids, I think it is necessary. If my son hadn't been on the medication, he probably would have been in a special education class but instead he is getting good grades at a very challenging school.

I would recommend that you talk to your son's pediatrician about it.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. Every doctor says ADHD then prescribes ritalin or aderal (Spelling as close as it sounds) when it is noy needed. After me complaining for four years the same doctor said she never had ADHD, fogetting he was the one who said she had it, so this proves the doctors don't know what they are talking about. They take the easy way out and blame a mental disorder then treat it with medication that has serious side effects knowing the parents aren't aware of those side effects. Both drugs have been said to increase a childs chances of becoming a drug addict when they grow up. Both drugs are basically like cocaine or heroin so avoid them unless you really trust your doctor and believe they are needed. The medication only masks any behavior problems and gives the child a sense that something is seriously wroing with them. I would have never allowed medication if it wasn't for a doctor who apparently doesn't know dirt. ADHD is (A)attention (D)deficit (H)hyperactivity (D)disorder a diagnosis that many doctors make when they aren't qualified to make it...they are not phycologists and they are to quick to make this call without consulting a phycologist.

Answer 4

ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. I for one think it's overdiagnosed. If a doctor thinks your child has ADHD, they'll prescribe Ritalin to calm him down. Ritalin is overprescribed. At 4 years old, a boy is exuberant and hard to control. Medicating that away is taking away a natural part of being a boy, and really, I hate the idea of using medication just to make your job as a parent easier.

Answer 5

It depends upon how a long way up the loved ones tree you'll be able to hint the ADHD. If you best realize the the moms and dads this can be a 50% threat. If you'll be able to seem up the loved ones tree and notice that the ADHD is an remoted case then the possibilities difference to a larger or decrease percent thus.

Answer 6

Certified Medical Assistant needs to go back to school, because ADHD cannot ONLY be diagnosed by a brain scan. That information is completely innaccurate. The doctor/psychologist usually has an ADHD test with questions that the child answers, then you answer. From there it can be diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, your son may be too young to participate in the ADHD test. I would wait a few years, but not too long if the activity continues. I was diagnosed as an adult and I truly wish my mother would have had me evaluated when I was younger. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Attention deficite hyperactive disorder.

On the move, does not concentrate well at school. Bad grades yet seems to be a very brite child, does not get along with peers, seems to be self absorb, lines cars and what have you up. Takes to tantrums a lot.

You can find the symtoms on line. There are many web sites, but the best thing to do is have your child tested by a psycologist.

Answer 8

ADHD is a myth it is just an excuse made for misbehaving kids. it is not a condition and should not be treated by drugs this only gives children a drug addiction in the future. Quite often kids can become hyper active by eating sugary foods, for instance some kids go hypo from drinking red cordial. Try feeding your son food low in sugar and carbs.

Answer 9

ADHD is the current term for what we used to simply know as "Attention Deficit Disorder". The "H" is for hyperactivity but not necessarily all ADD people are hyperactive. There are different subtypes of ADD and hyperactive is just one of those. The only really good way to tell if your son has ADHD is to take him to a counselor or psychologist--it's best if they specialize in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Your son may or may not have ADHD. It's really not for your neighbor to say, in my opinion. And if he does... it's not as bad as people make it sound. Sure, it comes with its own challenges. But he can be taught to work with and around his condition. Medication may not necessarily be needed. I've had ADD for many years but it went undiagnosed when I was younger... I only happened to find out I had it after I was grown and married (went to counseling for other reasons and the counselor happened to specialize in ADHD and spotted it).

That said, there is a possibility that your son is just a very active little boy. I think ADHD is often over-diagnosed, especially in boys. Try not to compare him too much to other children, as a mother I know it is difficult but it only causes worry. Remember that your son is his own unique individual. Whether or not he has ADHD, he can be taught self-control and obedience and all these other things... your son's personality may just be such that it takes an extra dose of patience on your part than you might have to employ with his siblings (if he has any) or with other children.

Also, don't forget that boys tend to be more active learners than girls. Girls learn well sitting in a classroom, reading, and paying attention to Teacher. Boys do not necessarily learn the same way. Some do, it's true, but if your son has trouble sitting still and paying attention in school don't automatically jump to the conclusion that he's attention deficit. He may just not be wired to learn that way. And the teachers may try to pressure you into "getting him on something"... in other words, to medicate him so he's not such a nuisance to them. Don't put your son on medication just because the school tells you to. They're not qualified to make that decision. Again, a qualified mental health professional should be able to tell you whether or not he actually does have ADD. You can choose not to medicate him either way. You might also look into a special "boys-only" school (or a school that separates the classes by gender). Many parents get all bent out of shape about single-sex (some say "segregated") schooling but it really can be of benefit. That way they can tailor the lessons to be more interesting and engaging for active children. The other option would be to home-school your son. You'll have to observe him and figure out how he learns best and present the lessons to him in that way. That way, you'll know he's getting an education that is tailored to his learning style and his needs.

You might also check this website http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/ . Dr. Amen is supposed to be one of the big experts on ADD and brain function (supposedly... I don't know much about him personally but my counselor mentioned him a few times). He has brain scan images of ADHD patients and also some sort of test here http://amenclinics.com/ac/tests/ . I don't know how accurate the tests online would be and I really urge you to take your son to a qualified mental health professional if you have any questions or concerns about ADHD.

Answer 10

Please, please don't jump the gun. ADHD is a complex medical diagnosis and should not be made lightly. It is a label that will follow your child throughout his school years right through high school, at least! ADHD (attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder) requires a HISTORY of inattention and hyperactivity. He's only 4! Tell your neighbors to get a life and mind their own business. And don't ask them for advice anymore.