Testing For Signs And Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder has gotten more and more attention over the last several years. Finally there was hope for parents who had resigned themselves to the fact that they were raising a difficult child. Once this condition was given a name, and various treatment methods became available, parents were able to restore peace to their homes. Unfortunately, there remains some confusion between signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder and normal child behavior. Since all children will, at some time, display inattention and hyperactivity, an attention deficit disorder test was devised to help in making an accurate diagnosis.
The Test
Most tests for signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder are done by a qualified professional. Your doctor can probably do this when you are suspecting a problem with your child. The test itself will look for a number of different signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Not only will it look for specific symptoms, it will also take into account the frequency and severity of them.
These symptoms will be separated into one of two groups. The first group is known as inattention symptoms. The second group is for hyperactivity symptoms. Inattention symptoms are things such as loosing focus, not paying attention to simple tasks and commands, and lack of interest. Hyperactivity symptoms will show up as being overactive, restless, loud, fidgety, impulsive, and interrupting.
A child may have one or all symptoms in each or just one of the groups. The diagnosis will be made by how many symptoms are present, as well as how long they have been occurring. Sometimes this test will take the form of a questionnaire that is filled out by the parents. It will have a few pages of signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder listed, and the parents will go through it and check the ones that apply to their child. This is sometimes done prior to the first visit with the doctor, so that he has a better idea of what you are dealing with.
Other tests will involve a visit to the doctor so he can actually observe the child himself. He will watch and interact with the child and record any signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder that he observes. If the majority of the symptoms fall into the inattention group, you are probably dealing with ADD. If they lean more toward the hyperactivity group, chances are it will be a diagnosis of ADHD. Most of the time, at least some symptoms are present from each group.
