Treatment for ADHD in Pasadena

When properly diagnosed, the symptoms of ADHD can be treated
and managed. If you are a parent, sibling, or friend, and are
concerned that someone you care for may be affected by ADHD,
refer to the information below to learn more about how ADHD is
diagnosed.

Childhood ADHD
According to the National Institutes of Health, ADHD is the most
commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. In fact,
ADHD is estimated to affect up to 5% of school-age children. But
sometimes it can be hard to know if a child’s over-activity or
inattention is normal for his or her age, especially because
children with ADHD do the same things that other children do. An
evaluation by a doctor can help rule out other possible
explanations for the symptoms of ADHD, and recommend
treatments that can help.

Diagnosing Childhood ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult, and requires information from a
number of sources, including parents, doctors and teachers. A
proper diagnosis depends on the report of characteristic behavior
and observations, input from the child, and a doctor's evaluation.

A positive diagnosis of ADHD, especially in children, requires:

Symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
have been observed for at least six months.

With ADHD, these symptoms will be more frequent and
severe than typically seen in individuals at a comparable
level of development.

Some symptoms have been present before age seven.

Symptoms have been present in at least two settings—for
instance, at school and at home.

The symptoms have affected social or academic functioning.
This means above all, the symptoms must be interfering
with a child's daily functioning.

Symptoms of Inattention

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to
complete schoolwork, chores, or duties (not due to
oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks
that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or
homework).

Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys,
school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in
which the child is expected to remain seated.

Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in
which it is inappropriate (in adolescents and adults, may be
limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).

Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
quietly.

Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."

Often talks excessively.

Often blurts out answers before questions have been
completed.

Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into
conversations or games).

The first step in getting help for ADHD is making a correct
diagnosis. After the diagnosis is made, a number of different
treatments can offer help for people who have been diagnosed
with ADHD.

The information on this page is intended to help you identify
behaviors and signs that may be consistent with ADHD. Talk to
your doctor or your child’s doctor if you recognize any of these
symptoms. He or she can guide a proper diagnosis and recommend
the right treatment. Print the symptoms checklist to help guide
your discussion with your doctor.