The diagnosis of ADHD can be made reliably using well–tested diagnostic interview methods. Diagnosis is based on history and observable behaviors in the child’s usual settings. Ideally, a health care practitioner making a diagnosis should include input from parents and teachers.

ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical/neurobiological condition in which the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals, noradrenalin and dopamine do not work properly. It is a disorder that, without proper identification, treatment and management, can have serious and long lasting consequences and/or complications for an individual. It is a long-term condition which affects learning and behaviour right through the school years and in many cases beyond into adulthood.

There is no simple or quick test (such as a blood test or MRI) to diagnose ADD/ADHD. A diagnosis is made through a comprehensive assessment that comes from a developmental history, rating scales, observations and a collection of interviews made with the child or adult, and the individual’s parents, teacher, spouse, and others.

This may be a function of how we lump or split diagnoses, but comorbidity is the rule in child psychiatry. About half of those diagnosed with ADHD also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. 20% have Conduct Disorder. Mood and anxiety disorders, often secondary to the self-esteem and image problems cited above, are common. About 20-40% of children with ADHD have learning disabilities. As mentioned above, substance abuse is much more likely in those with ADHD.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder of childhood, estimated to affect 3 to 5 percent of school–age children, and occurring three times more often in boys than in girls. On average, about one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for this disorder.

The diagnosis of ADHD in the preschool child is possible, but can be difficult and should be made cautiously by experts well trained in childhood neurobehavioral disorders. Developmental problems, especially language delays, and adjustment problems can sometimes imitate ADHD. Treatment should focus on placement in a structured preschool with parent training and support.

Experience at other democratic free model schools indicates that this is not a problem. They find that when children are allowed to expend their excess energy through play, they can then focus. According to John Holt in "Learning All the Time", there has been research done by specialists in the area of learning disabilities that links so-called perceptual handicaps with stress.

It was once thought that ADD/ADHD was something that would “go away” or you would outgrow by adolescence. It is now understood that ADD/ADHD is not outgrown and in fact 75% of ADD/ADHD youngsters will continue to have problems related to attention deficit throughout their adolescence and into adulthood (Wodrich, 1994). So learn to love and nurture the real you and appreciate all the wonderful talents that come with having ADD/ADHD.

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work, work, or other activities Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the work place (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions) Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as homework or school work) Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adol.

Our approach to treating ADD is an integrated approach, and is customized to each individual client. We believe that no one solution works for everyone; therefore, to achieve a long term positive outcome, it requires a comprehensive approach. Our team of health professionals include: psychologists, ADD coaches, medical doctors, and other support services, who will work directly with you and your family through the evaluation and treatment process.

Many children with ADD/ADHD experience a general diminishing of symptoms as they approach adulthood. However, approximately 50-60% of children with ADHD will still meet the full criteria for ADHD as adults and will continue to have significant problems with attention and impulsivity in their academic, occupational, or social life. The majority of children with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are believed to be a neurologically-based disorders that begins in childhood, before the age of seven. It has the potential to seriously affect the child behaviorally, psychologically, educationally, and spiritually. Read more in Dr. Shorb's article "What Do You Know About ADHD?"

Yes, adults can be evaluated for ADD/ADHD. We know from clinical experience that ADD is often undiagnosed in adults and can have serious negative consequences left untreated. Recent research suggests that ADHD possesses a strong genetic component and is often present in multiple members of the same family.

The cost of not treating ADD/ADHD can be surprisingly high. A hyperactive child may miss critical cognitive and social milestones because of the disorder. Most commonly, ADD/ADHD leads to academic underachievement with subsequent under-education and under-occupation, meaning a person is held back by factors other than raw academic ability. Discouraged, children suffering from ADD/ADHD often have very poor self image and low self-esteem.