Catching ADHD Early

Catching ADHD early can be an important first step in improving academic performance, overall behavior, and helping improve social skills. But while catching ADHD early is important it is also imperative not to misdiagnose the problem and medicate a problem that doesn't exist. Let's take this a step further by looking at what the DSM-IV has to say about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The reference guide which virtually all physicians refer to for information about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV). It basically lays out 9 criteria of which 6 must be satisfied. All nine revolve around variations of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity/restlessness. Examples of the diagnostic criteria would be do they pay attention when spoken to directly, are they easily distracted, are they always on the go, do they fidget or squirm, are their symptoms causing them problems in at least 2 areas (normally home and school), and do they have trouble paying attention to detail. There are more but as you can see that while satisfying 6 criteria may not be all that difficult for most children especially if their behavior appears unconventional or sub-par when compared to their peers.

And while I bet you have read about some of the criteria listed above I bet you haven't read what is written in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association right next to the diagnostic criteria under point 1. It says, "These alleged symptoms in no way prove that ADHD is a disease. Furthermore, these symptoms are actually nothing more than someone's observation of your child's behavior, and the truth is not even reliable as behavioral observations. To be reliable, people must agree your child has ADHD.".

The point is while catching ADHD early may be important you should keep in mind that even the experts have trouble getting the diagnosis right. Additionally, the earlier a diagnosis is attempted the less reliable it generally is due to child behavior and developmental issues. After all, most young children have energy to burn, are impulsive to a varying degree, and have short attention spans especially when the subject matter is less than compelling. Next why don't we move on to the basics.

Catching ADHD Early - The 3 Types

*Predominantly Inattention: Children that fall into this category are not hyperactive but rather have difficulty paying attention. Additionally, they may be able to focus well on some things but not on others, become easily distracted by their own thoughts or things happening around them, are forgetful, concentrate poorly, and are unable to consistently finish tasks.

*Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive type: These children exhibit both impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Children in this category are usually (but not always) boys, are disruptive, and have higher energy levels than their peers. They are typically impatient, want things immediately, blurt out answers at inappropriate times, may engage in risky behavior, act without considering the consequences, regularly say improper things, are always on the go, may fidget or squirm, have no sense of others private space, and may talk non-stop.

*Combined type: This classification includes all three primary symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Let's face it this category is for everyone that doesn't fall into the prior two categories. A generalization of the combined type of ADHD is someone who has trouble focusing, has trouble sitting still for any length of time, consistently exhibits high energy levels, and acts without thinking.

In conclusion, catching ADHD early can be confusing due to the myriad of possible symptoms and inconsistencies in a child's behavior. Add to this the fact that many pre-K, daycare, and elementary schools have done away with physical outdoor activities where kids used to burn off a great deal of excess energy and all of the sudden conclusively catching ADHD early can become more of a guess than a carefully calculated observation.

Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.

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