Is It Really ADHD? DSM V and ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 720

“Why do you call it ADHD.   Can’t you just let kids be kids?”  

Drives me up the wall.  Total ignorance of ADHD.  If the kid is floundering, it’s not just being a kid.

You don’t just label a kid that is active or is bothering you as “ADHD.”  They need to meet the ADHD criteria.  A good evaluation is important (for adults, too.)

Here’s a synopsis of the DSM criteria for ADHD (somewhat in my words):

Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsitivity that interferes with functioning or development-

Inattention:

six or more inattentive symptoms for at least 6 months to a degree inconsistent with developmental level and negatively impacts on academic/occupational activities, not due to other problems.

   In other words, this kid is having problems.

                                                                      and/or

Hyperactive and Impulsive

six or more hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, for at least etc (as above).

  Ditto- kid is having problems.

Inattentive symptoms: often – doesn’t give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes; can’t sustain attention in tasks or play (but sometimes we hyperfocus),  doesn’t seem to listen, doesn’t follow through, can’t organize, avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort (procrastinates,etc.), loses things, easily distracted, forgetful.

Hyperactive symptoms: often– fidgets taps squirms, can’t stay seated, runs or climbs when inappropriate (or on top of his desk, etc), cannot be quiet, on the go/driven/restless/trouble being still for long, talks excessively, blurts out, difficulty waiting, interrupts/intrudes.

and in addition:

several symptoms before age 12, in two or more settings, interfere with functioning. Not due to other problem.  For adults, it’s five symptoms.

 

In order to have the diagnosis of ADHD, a person needs to meet the criteria.

You can have inattentive, hyperactive, or mixed types (that’s me).  Females tend to inattentive, males to mixed.

 

Also drives me up the wall – “Well, so what?  I have some of those sometimes.”

“Yes, but I have most of them most of the time!”

DSM goes into much more detail with good examples but this is too long and I have difficulty with sustaining attention and with sitting still and I have to correct too many careless mistakes .

Sound like anyone you know?  Martha?

doug

Here’s the link to the whole DSM magillah

@dougmkpdp @addstrategies  #add    #ADHD

Maybe my favorite ADHD cartoon, but then sometimes I’m not socially appropriate. Sometimes, Ha!

I try not to punch them. Jail is not pleasant.

ADHD doesn’t exist?

Its not ADHD, he’s just being a normal kid – in detention, expelled, flunking, ostracized, etc.

ADHD doesn’t lack focus, just has no control of it.