ADHD: Here's What You Need to Know - ADHD diagnosis in Pittsburgh PA
ADHD is a neurological disorder that can make it difficult to focus and pay attention. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and the symptoms include inattention, restlessness, and acting without thinking. ADHD usually first appears in childhood, but symptoms are not always evident until later in life. ADHD is common among children: about 1 out of every 5 children has it to some degree. If you are looking for more information about ADHD diagnosis in Pittsburgh PA, we can help you.
ADHD is common among adults, too, since 30% of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms as adults. The four types of ADHD are inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, the combined type (has traits from both), and the not specified (includes catatonia). The different subtypes cause slightly differing symptoms.
Hyperactive Child
Hyperactivity is a relatively common disorder, affecting approximately three to five percent of school-aged children. The symptoms are usually evident by seven and continue into adulthood in at least half the cases. Hyperactivity typically affects males more than females. However, when studied closely, hyperactivity rate ratios are similar among both sexes from elementary through high school.
Hyperactive children will display an excessive level of physical movement that can result in getting out of their seats during regular classroom periods or even running around excessively while they're supposed to be seated and working on tasks with other classmates. They may also experience difficulty staying focused for a prolonged time, interfering with learning and taking part in family activities throughout the day. Hyperactive children have a higher chance of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health problems as they age.
ADHD Diagnosis in Pittsburgh, PA
ADHD is a condition that impacts social, academic, work lives, and it doesn't distinguish between people's ethnicities or socioeconomic backgrounds. A diagnosis typically requires the presence of at least six ADHD symptoms for more than six months before age 12 years. And in adults, it usually exhibits chronic signs such as depression or anxiety.
There are several options when seeking help with an ADHD diagnosis:
Doctors who specialize in General Pediatrics or Child Neurology can evaluate a child based on personal examination.
For those under 18 years old, doctors may refer them to a specialized clinic. For example Better Stories Tripp Psychiatry.
An ADHD evaluation typically includes:
A physical exam.
Reviewing the patient's medical history.
Discussing symptoms of ADHD with parents or guardians (if applicable).
Performing cognitive testing such as the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) or the Mini-Cog, to assess attention level and other related skills.
ADHD in Kids
Everyday tasks can be complicated for people with ADHD, including school work, making friends, and playing games. In kids, it may also cause them to do things they shouldn't like, lie about their homework or sneak out of the house at night without permission from parents. Children with ADHD often find it hard to stay on a task, leading to missed deadlines or forgotten assignments, among other issues related to organizational skills such as time management and prioritizing.
So what are the signs that your child might have ADHD? Some common ones include the inability to pay attention, difficulty following instructions, trouble playing quietly and without interruption. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in games, conversations, or activities with other children and poor organizational skills.
Give your child the tools needed to enjoy life by visiting Better Stories Tripp Psychiatry.