ADHD is a condition that is very hard to diagnose...even though it's been researched for almost a century.

Doctors and therapists are hesitant to label a child with ADD until they are sure that is truly what they have. They go by a list of criteria and behaviors. Only after traits and inappropriate behaviors have manifested and been present for at least six months do they consider appropriate action.

The list doctors generally work from also helps them to detect which level of attention deficit disorder the child might have. The categories are inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. This helps the doctors to be able to identify which type is present which helps them to decide how to treat it. Some children have symptoms from one or two of the categories while some can have it from all three.

Inattentiveness: Doctors look for a consistent pattern of ADHD symptoms when making careless mistakes in school, work and other areas. They look for trouble paying attention, and seem not to listen or follow directions and do not finish tasks such as homework and chores. They can be unorganized, do not want to do homework or anything that requires focus. They always seem to be losing things, are easily distracted, and forgetful.

Impulsiveness: Impatient, often interrupts with symptoms present before the age of seven. These symptoms are present in more than one setting and there is evidence these symptoms are causing a disruptive behavior or pattern in a school or work. The doctor will also want to ensure that these symptoms are not caused by a different underlying disorder such as anxiety, a mood disorder, or a personality disorder.

Hyperactivity: Fidgety and can not sit still in a classroom or a setting the child can not stay in their seat and wants to wander. Often wants to climb on objects when it is not appropriate, has difficulty with any kind of down time or quiet time. Talks excessively and is constantly on the go. While in children it is completely normal for them to have excess energy and run around playing, there is a distinct differentiation between children at play and children with this disorder. You will suspect there's a problem when it becomes uncontrollable and other people start to notice.

ADHD can be extremely frustrating...not only for the person who has it, but also for the parents and others. In the mind of someone with ADHD (adult or child), while they are being talked to or instructed to do something, their mind is thinking of something else entirely. So imagine the frustration of everyone involved in a work or school setting. This is why so many adults with this disorder have trouble maintaining a job. They are unlikely to put out a good quality of work, are often very forgetful and miss deadlines and meetings. Also, they are generally excessively tardy for their jobs.

In a school setting it can be frustrating for the teacher as well as the other students. If you're concerned about someone you love, check with an ADHD specialist to see if the symptoms are something that should be explored further.