Attention deficity/hyperactivity disorder is an oft discussed, oft overdiagnosed problem generally scene in children.  An inability to sit still or pay attention are hallmarks of the disorder.  Now, keep in mind that that the problems must be significant.  Simply forgetting things every once in a while, or not paying attention to things that bore you isn't necessarily criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

 

Here is the DSM criteria for ADHD

 

A. Either (1) or (2):

 

(1) inattention: six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

 

    (a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

    (b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

    (c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

    (d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)

    (e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

    (f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)

    (g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)

    (h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

    (i) is often forgetful in daily activities

 

(2) hyperactivity-impulsivity: six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

 

 Hyperactivity

 

(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

 

(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

 

(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)

 

(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

 

(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"

 

(f) often talks excessively

 

 Impulsivity

 

(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed

 

(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn

 

(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

 

B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.

 

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).

 

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

 

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder,Dissociative Disorders, or a Personality Disorder).

 

 

Let's draw your attention to a couple things.

 

First, nowhere in this list you will find it say anything about these types of symptoms only occurring in one venue. So if your child only exhibits ADHD symptoms while at school, and there have been no problems at home, you aren’t looking at ADHD, but rather, you are looking at our old friend the Adjustment Disorder spectrum.

 

Secondly, note that it explicitly states that these symptoms should not be caused be oppositional defiance. In other words, if your kid is not paying attention because he’s too busy being bad, then this is not ADHD. Remember ADHD is organic, if a child is acting out because someone or something is upsetting him or her, this is not ADHD.

 

Third, and most important: for both of these diagnoses it states (in addition to stating this as a requirement for every diagnosable condition in the DSM) that “there must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.” If the kid is making straight A’s, you don’t have ADHD.

 

So take a look, consider the preponderance of evidence, and make an informed decision about your child’s mental healthcare. If you feel like one of the two above spectrums of disorders is a match for you, your child, or a loved one, Pursuit of Happiness, or any other mental health provider will be more than happy to help ameliorate the symptomatology. But please keep in mind that a proper diagnosis is a cornerstone to proper treatment. Just like you wouldn’t do chemotherapy on someone having a heart attack, it would be wildly inappropriate to treat someone for Bipolar or ADHD who is merely experiencing an Adjustment Disorder. Our best advice is to choose a provider who will keep their patients best interest at heart, and not voluminously toss around diagnoses without careful consideration of the criteria.