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Decoding ADD and ADHD with Children

Updated: Jun 25

Is your child often lost in daydreams at school, easily distracted during homework, or constantly fidgeting? The question of whether it's Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may arise. In 1994, doctors unified these terms under ADHD, encompassing three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Choosing the right term depends on your child's symptoms, warranting a discussion with a mental health provider for an accurate diagnosis.


three kids seating by the table, one of them is covering their eyes, another covering their ears and the third covering their mouth. referencing the three wise monkeys

Signs to Watch For

ADHD, a brain-based disorder, can disrupt daily activities at home and school. Recognizing symptoms is crucial before diagnosis. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist, including:

  1. Inattention: Disorganization, constant daydreaming, trouble staying on task.

  2. Impulsivity: Spur-of-the-moment decisions, frequent interruptions.

  3. Hyperactivity: Squirming, fidgeting, tapping, and inappropriate constant movement.

Healthcare professionals in the U.S. use the DSM to diagnose ADHD, categorizing it into three types based on symptoms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.


ADHD Inattentive

Characterized by a lack of hyperactivity, kids with inattentive ADHD may seem shy or absorbed in their own world. The diagnosis involves 6 or more symptoms of inattention for at least 6 consecutive months, without hyperactivity signs.


ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive

Children with this form have excessive energy, noticeable by behaviours such as blurting out answers, constant interruptions, and impulsive actions. It requires 6 or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least 6 months.


ADHD Combined Type

This type involves symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.


Getting a Diagnosis

Healthcare professionals like psychiatrists follow guidelines to diagnose ADHD, gathering information from various sources. A comprehensive diagnosis ensures an accurate understanding of your child's needs and paves the way for tailored interventions.

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