HELP IDENTIFYING ADHD

Signs, symptoms and help

This powerpoint has been created to help parents understand ADHD and give them

tools to help their childrenCLAUDIA CALONJE

EMAIL:cccalonje@gmail.com

SIGNS

• ADHD has many expressions and can be easily confused with average developmental behaviour and/or with other mental disorders

• The best diagnosis is left to professionals but it is important to be aware of the signs

• The Fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has defined a set of standardized medical criteria to diagnose ADHD

• Hyperlink:http://www.ldonline.org/article/8840/

SYMPTOMS

• Problems with inattention and impulsivity and hyperactivity inconsistent with the child’s developmental age

• 3 types of ADHD• Symptoms for inattentive ADHD• Symptoms for hyperactive ADHD• Symptoms for combined ADHD

Symptoms for Inattentive

• Makes careless mistakes in school work• Has difficulty finishing one task before starting

another• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities• Has difficulty carrying out sequential

instructions• Often loses personal belongings, schoolwork,

tools needed for tasks

Inattentive

• Seems to not be listening when spoken to• Difficulty with tasks that demand sustained

mental effort• Easily distracted

Symptoms for Hyperactive

• Fidgets and squirms during listening sessions• Is constantly on the move and talks incessantly• Has difficulty taking turns• Frequently blurts out answers • Has difficulty playing quietly• Runs about or climbs in inappropiate

situations

MIS/UN DIAGNOSED

• Too often difficult children are labeled as having ADHD

• Too often children with other disorders are misdiagnosed

• Over diagnosis and under diagnosis is a problem

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

AAP Recommendations (symptoms in link)

• 6 symptoms from either the inattentive or hyperactive should be present in more than 1 setting

• Before the age of 7, seen in more than 1 setting and not caused by another problem

• Symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties at home, at school or in relationships with peers

Diagnostic Requirements

• A multifaceted evaluation including• A medical/psychiatric evaluation• An educational evaluation• A psychological evaluation

MEDICAL/PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

• A comprehensive interview with parents• To determine the child’s specific behavior

characteristics • When the behavior began• How long has s/he had the symptoms • Whether the child displays the behavior in

various settings• Investigate to exclude coexisting conditions

EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION

• Aims to determine the academic impairment caused by the symptoms

• Parent and teacher questionnaire• Direct classroom observations• Often a minimum of 3 observations across

several days and at different times of the school day

• Review of academic history

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

• Evaluation of child AND family• Child IQ Testing• Helpful tests but not specific to ADHD• WISC-R (IQ Test)• Wide Range Achievement Test• Bender – Gestalt Test (Visual motor

integration)

Tests specific for ADHD

• Test of variables of Attention (TOVA)• Revised Conners –teacher rating scale (RCTRS)• ADD-H Comprehensive teacher’s rating scale

ACTeRS• ADHD –specific rating scales• Connors and Burkes

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• Most important aspect of treatment is education of patient and family about the disorder and the way it can be treated

• Medication treatments• Behavioural treatment• A combined treatment seems to be the most

effective• YET it is important to keep in mind the age of

the participants

• Behavioural treatments are more effective with young children with combined ADHD

• Limited effectiveness with older children, adolescents and those who have predominantly inattentive type ADHD

• Cognitive Behavioural treatment seems to be more effective with older children and adolescents

THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE NOT A DIAGNOSIS MANUAL!!!

• ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and it manifests itself in as many different ways as there are individuals and families.

• This presentation is only a short guide to help navigate the complexity of identifying ADHD what to do to help the child and his/her family