ADHD Diagnosis Darwin
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Children who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifest behavioural symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, impulsive behaviours, or hyperactivity. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually occurs during childhood and can last until adulthood. In addition, ADHD is also common to develop in boys than girls, which can negatively impact children and teens' learning ability and behaviour. This type of disorder commonly occurs for school-age children ages 6 to 12 years old.
Since ADHD can affect children's ability to control their behaviour and learning progress, it is vital to determine the symptoms early on and get the proper diagnosis. It is essential to get professional assistance in caring for children with ADHD and helping them manage their condition. Thus, the citizens and residents of Darwin are encouraged to acquire the ADHD Diagnosis offered by Positive Moods and other beneficial services they offer.
Symptoms of ADHD
Taking care of a child with ADHD is a difficult task for parents in Darwin. They will need professional assistance to ensure that their child’s health is in good condition, and their needs are met, despite the struggle they go through at an early age. That’s why acquiring an ADHD Diagnosis is important for children's manifesting the symptoms of ADHD.
To determine if a child has a suspected ADHD, here are the following symptoms of ADHD broken down into three categories:
Inattention
Inability to focus on details
Often makes reckless mistakes when doing activities in work, at school, or other tasks
Cannot follow instructions and often struggles to complete tasks in school, work, or chores
Difficulty to organise activities and tasks
Not listening even when directly talked to
Quickly gets distracted
Dislikes or avoid tasks and activities that need the use of long mental work
Often misplaces things that are needed for activities or tasks
Does not remember daily activities
Having trouble staying still
Often experience daydreaming
Hyperactivity
Usually have fidgety hands and feet, or squirm in the seat
Have trouble sitting still
Often climbs or go around unsuitable places or circumstances
Have difficulties in playing silently or joining leisure activities
Always on the move
Excessive talking
Often too agitated and restless
Impulsivity
Abruptly answers questions without waiting for the complete questions
Have difficulties waiting in line or queue
Disturb other people’s conversation or cut in on others activities
Other than the symptoms under the three categories, the symptoms of ADHD progresses once an individual gets older. The following symptoms are signs of ADHD for older ages:
Easily forgets things
Being late
Anxiousness
Trouble with self-esteem
Difficulty in controlling anger
Substance abuse
Procrastinating
Gets immediately frustrated
Mood swings
Depression
Lacks Concentration
Social relations issues
Types of ADHD
Based on the stated symptoms above, Positive Moods healthcare professional will perform the ADHD Diagnosis to assess and identify the participant’s type of ADHD during the assessment. The following are the types of ADHD:
ADHD Combined Type. To be diagnosed with this type of ADHD, the child should have the following symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least six months.
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type. To be diagnosed with this type of ADHD, the child should manifest the symptoms of inattention for at least six months, but should not include the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. To be diagnosed with this type of ADHD, the child should manifest the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months, but should not include the symptoms of inattention.
Causes of ADHD
The experts have not found out the main cause of ADHD. However, according to theories, an individual can inherit ADHD if there is at least one member of the family manifesting a behavioural problem. In addition to genetics, other factors can contribute to ADHD, including:
Children who are born prematurely
Being underweight at birth
Pregnant mother taking alcohol or drugs
Acquiring brain injury
Neurophysiology
Lead exposure
Children lacking parental attachment
Experiencing traumatic events at an early age, causing inattention and hyperactivity
Diagnosing ADHD
For the citizens and residents of Darwin, who are concerned about their child having ADHD, it is advised to consult their general physician (GP) to get a referral for a child psychologist or paediatrician. During the ADHD Diagnosis, the participant will be assessed using the standard assessment for individuals with suspected ADHD, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Moreover, a standard rating scale will also be used to identify the participant’s type of ADHD. They will also go through physical examination such as vision screening, hearing screening, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
Apart from the examinations, the participants also need to provide their full medical history to help the healthcare professionals understand their conditions and other possible causes of their behavioural problems. However, there is no specific test that can diagnose ADHD. Participants are advised to be honest and cooperate during the assessment to provide the specialist with detailed information, which is important to have the right diagnosis.
Some of the important information that can help the specialist provide a diagnosis include:
Existing symptoms of ADHD that are greatly affecting most areas of the child’s life
Child’s history of behaviours
Any trauma or illness
Child’s relationship and family
Throughout the ADHD Diagnosis, the following factors will also be assessed, including:
Severity of the Symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the participant's life must be negatively affected by the symptoms. Those who have been diagnosed with ADHD struggle with their careers, finances, or family responsibilities.
Appearance of the Symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD commonly start in childhood. The specialist will also assess when the symptoms occurred. For adult participants, it is essential to recall when the symptoms occurred.
Duration of Symptoms. After determining when the symptoms occur, it is important to know how long the participants manifest the symptoms. Since the diagnosis for ADHD can only be administered if the participant is manifesting the symptoms for at least 6 months.
Areas Triggering the Symptoms. The participants who will undergo an ADHD Diagnosis should manifest the symptoms in various areas such as home, school, and work. If the symptoms always occur in a specific setting, they cannot be diagnosed with ADHD.
Managing ADHD
As of today, ADHD has no cure. Parents can only choose to let their child go through an ADHD Diagnosis to help them identify and manage their condition. The citizens and residents of Darwin can acquire this service through Positive Moods to get their child a proper diagnosis. They can also help reduce the symptoms by giving them stimulant medications, joining psychotherapies, family counselling, educational support, and joining a support group.