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Adult
Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis
I would not want to insinuate that you can
choose the correct attention deficit disorder diagnosis by looking
at the criteria outlined in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statisticians
Manual) used by mental health professionals, but, you could get a
good idea what's involved.
The
diagnostic criteria for assessing whether kids have the disorder is
located here. Below is are the criteria for ADD / ADHD in adults.
Taken from the DSM-IV.
Inattention - need 6 out of 9 of
these criteria
1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless
mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
activities
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (no if oppositional
behavior or doesn’t understand instructions)
5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks or
activities that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork
or homework)
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys,
school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
8. Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Often forgetful in daily activities
ADHD - Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Criteria - need 6 out of 9
of these criteria
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which
remaining seated is expected
3. 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)
4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
quietly
5. is Often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
6. Often talks excessively
7. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
8. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into
conversations or games)
Overall Requirements
1. Present at least 6 months, maladaptive and inconsistent with
development level
2. Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7
3. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more
settings (e.g., at school {or work} and at home)
4. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment
in social, academic or occupational functioning
To sum it up...
Adult attention deficit disorder
diagnosis is not to be left to individuals without certifications
for diagnosing the disorder. Use the above criteria to judge for
yourself whether you should make an appointment with a certified ADD
- ADHD testing specialist. Finding out if you or your kids have ADD
- ADHD is essential because the changes you can make to cope with it
can really help. Changes in environment, medication, and meditation
are all avenues to be explored when coming to a decision on
treatment. Good luck!
ADD / ADHD is Serious -
Please Treat Your Kid's Symptoms... |
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