ADHD Diagnosis Canberra
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical problem that affects ages 6 to 12 years old and is very evident in boys. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with the development and activity in the brain, often starting from childhood and can last up to adulthood. This type of condition can affect children’s and teens' brain function, resulting in developing a set of behavioural problems such as inability to focus, struggle to stay still, and lack of self-control. Thus, the citizens and residents of Canberra are encouraged to avail of the ADHD Diagnosis and other services offered by Positive Moods.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
One of the responsibilities for parents with a child with ADHD is to help them determine and manage their child’s condition. Since ADHD is a concerning condition, they must get professional assistance immediately once the symptoms are evident. Citizens and residents of Canberra are encouraged to acquire the ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods. In this way, they can ensure that they can get the proper diagnosis which is vital in managing their child's condition.
Here are the following symptoms under the three categories that parents should watch out for in their children:
Inattention
Struggles on sustaining focus or staying in plays
Makes careless mistakes during activities in school, work, or other activities
Inability to follow through instructions and often experience difficulties in completing tasks in school, work, or other chores
Struggles to organise tasks and activities
Does not listen even when spoken to directly
Easily gets distracted
Avoids or dislikes doing tasks and activities that require the use of mental work
Misplace things that are necessary for an activity or task
Forgets activities and things to do
Often experiences daydreaming
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with their hands and feet
Squirms in their seat
Experience difficulties sitting in place
Often runs or climbs in inappropriate places or circumstances
Experiences difficulties playing silently or joining leisure activities
Always in motion
Talks excessively
Often and easily agitated and restless
Impulsivity
Immediately answers questions without waiting for the questions to be completed
Struggles to wait in line or wait for their turn
Often interrupts the conversation or cuts in on other’s activities
Besides the stated symptoms above, ADHD has other symptoms that are evident in older individuals since the symptoms evolve as they age. The other symptoms of ADHD to look for older ages are the following:
Forgetfulness
Tardiness
Anxiety
Self-esteem issues
Inability to control anger
Substance abuse
Easily gets frustrated
Mood swings
Depression
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty relating to others
What Are the Types of ADHD?
There are three types of ADHD based on the three categories of symptoms stated above. To determine the type of ADHD that the participant exhibits, healthcare professionals at Positive Moods will evaluate the participant’s symptoms. The types of ADHD include:
ADHD Combined Type. Under this type, the child should exhibit the following symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least 6 months.
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type. Under this type, the child should exhibit the symptoms of inattention for at least 6 months and should not exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. Under this type, the child should exhibit the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least 6 months, and should not exhibit the symptoms of inattention.
What Causes ADHD?
At present, experts cannot identify the main cause of ADHD. However, a theory states that ADHD can be inherited by an individual if there is at least one family member that exhibits a behavioural disorder. Other than genetics, here are the following factors that can cause ADHD, including:
Being born prematurely
Underweight during birth
Intake of alcohol or drugs during mother's pregnancy
Brain injury
Neurophysiology
Lead exposure
Lack of parental attachment for children
Any traumatic events children have experienced
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
For parents concerned if their child has ADHD, it is recommended to first consult their general physician (GP) and get a referral to a paediatrician or child psychologist to undergo a diagnosis. Once the ADHD Diagnosis has been administered, healthcare professionals will evaluate the participants using the standard assessment the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) for individuals with evident symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, the participant's type of ADHD will be determined using a standard rating scale. They will also undergo physical examinations such as vision screening, hearing screening, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
Healthcare professionals will also require the participants to provide their complete medical history to better understand their medical condition and determine other factors that cause their behavioural issues. Nonetheless, there is no specific test designed to diagnose ADHD. Participants are encouraged to cooperate and be honest during the evaluation so that the specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Here is a list of the information that can help with the diagnosis:
Evident symptoms of ADHD that negatively affect most areas of the child’s life
History of behaviours
Any trauma or illness
Child’s relationship and family
To ensure that the participants are given an accurate diagnosis, the specialist will also evaluate the following factors:
The Severity of the Symptoms. The specialist can only diagnose ADHD if the symptoms of the participants are negatively affecting their life. Individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD experience difficulties with their careers, finances, or family responsibilities.
The Appearance of the Symptoms. During the evaluation, the specialist will question when the symptoms appeared. Since the symptoms of ADHD appear in childhood, adult participants need to recall when their symptoms started.
Duration of Symptoms. The ADHD Diagnosis can only be administered to participants who are exhibiting the symptoms of ADHD for the last 6 months. The specialists will also evaluate the duration of exhibiting symptoms.
Areas Triggering the Symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the participants must exhibit the symptoms in various settings such as home, school, and work. If the symptoms only appear in a specific area, ADHD cannot be diagnosed.
How to Manage ADHD?
There is no treatment offered to individuals with ADHD. Parents can only help their children with the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. It is beneficial for the citizens and residents of Canberra to acquire the ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods. Through this, parents can determine the severity of their child’s condition and administer the recommended ways to help them manage the symptoms such as:
Stimulant medication for ADHD
Psychotherapies
Family counselling
Educational support
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