Diagnosis of a Hyperactive Child

Hyperactivity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affects about 9 percent of children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to diagnose a hyperactive child he must display "six or more symptoms of inattention that have been present for at least six months to a point that is inappropriate for their developmental level." This article will review some of the possible causes for this disorder and the six symptoms or criteria used in diagnosing hyperactivity disorder in a child.

Heredity

• Brain scans have shown a difference in the structure of the brain and brain activity in the brains of individuals with the disorder and those without the disorder. Hyperactivity disorder tends to run in families. Research is being done to find out how this is passed down genetically. Some of the causes that are being studied now are the altered brain function and anatomy of people with this disorder.

Exposure to Toxic Substances

• When a mother exposes her baby to toxins, such as smoking, drugs and alcohol, while pregnant, the child has a higher risk of hyperactivity. Children, who are exposed to lead paint or pipes, have an increased risk of hyperactivity disorder as well. Studies are being done on the effect diet and plastics have on increasing the risk of hyperactivity.

Diagnosis

• According to the CDC, a child must demonstrate at least six of the possible personality characteristics to be diagnosed with hyperactivity. In addition, some of the characteristics must be present before the age of 7 to meet the criteria; there is no specified number only that you must have noticed some of these symptoms before age 7. The symptoms the child exhibits should be present for six or more months. These symptoms will also impair their learning at school and disrupt social relationships.

Criteria

• Criteria include:

  --Seems to be constantly fidgeting and squirming in their seat. Can't sit still when expected to.
  --Gets up and walks away from seat at school, even when expected to sit still.
  --Runs around or climbs on furniture when it is not appropriate.
  --Can't play quietly.
  --Talks excessively.
  --Does not appear to be listening when spoken to.
  --Does not follow through on an instruction, gets side tracked and forgets.
  --Loses items at school or home,such as shoes, pencils, homework or books, that are needed to complete daily tasks .
  --Often yells out answers in class before the other children get a chance.
  --Has trouble waiting his turn.
  --Often interrupts into conversations or games.

At The Physician's Appointment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, family physicians, pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists or psychologists can diagnosis hyperactivity disorder. At your appointment, you will fill out questionnaires about your child's behavioral history. The doctor will probably interview and observe your child. She may ask for behavior studies on your child at school or interview the child's teacher or school counselor.