Eshal Ali

ISM-Period 1

“Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.

Department of Health & Human Services, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html.

• Not one single test to determine if someone has ADHD

• Diagnosis can be done by psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatrician
• American Academy of Pediatrics suggests doctor asks adults in child’s life about his or
her behavior while in the process of diagnosing
• Doctors must also look at other conditions the child has
• To diagnose, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
(DSM-5) is used
• Having a standard used for diagnosis ensures the data on how many kids have ADHD is
accurate and the public is helped in the same way
• The two main categories for symptoms are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity
• Some symptoms of inattention are not being able to keep attention on tasks, not following
through on instructions, and having trouble organizing activities and belongings
• Some symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are fidgeting, running and climbing around,
and talking excessively
• The criteria are slightly different for children up to age 16 and adolescents 17 and up and
adults
• For children, at least 6 symptoms from one or both categories must be present for 6 or
more months
• For adolescents 17 and up and adults, at least 5 symptoms from one or both categories
must be present for 6 or more months
• There are three presentations of ADHD
• The three kinds are combined presentation, predominantly inattentive presentation, and
predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
• Combined presentation- symptoms from both categories
• Predominantly inattentive presentation- symptoms of inattention
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation- symptoms of hyperactivity-
impulsivity
• Presentation can change over time as symptoms change
• ADHD can last into adulthood, when symptoms present differently
Summary: This source was helpful in learning the basics of ADHD and getting a foundation on
the symptoms and diagnosis.
 Eshal Ali
ISM-Period 1

Block, Jocelyn, and Melinda Smith. “Treatment for Children with ADHD.” HelpGuide,

HelpGuide.org, Oct. 2018, www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/treatment-for-childhood-

attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm/.

• Along with medication, there are other aspects to ADHD treatment

• Common medications are stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall
• Medications can be helpful for a while, but research shows that they are not beneficial
when it comes to improvements in school, relationships, and behavior
• Medication impacts everyone differently
• Medication is more helpful when combined with other types of ADHD management
• Side effects of medication need to be checked
• Research shows that spending time outside can help with the symptoms of ADHD
• Exercise increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which help with
focus
• Having regular and enough sleep is also important
• Research also shows that diet can help with ADHD symptoms
• Snacks and meals should be no more than three hours apart to ensure the child’s blood
sugar remains stable
• Protein and carbs should be included in most or every meal/snack
• Zinc, iron, and magnesium levels should be monitored because many children with
ADHD have low levels
• Add more Omega-3s to child’s diet-proven to help with hyperactivity and impulsivity
• There are different professionals parents can consult in the treatment process, including
child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, cognitive-behavioral therapists, and
education specialists
• Behavior therapy has been proven to be effective, both on its own and with use of
medication
• Behavior therapy consists of rewards for good behaviors and limits for bad behaviors
• The American Academy of Pediatrics has outlined three steps for behavior therapy for
ADHD: set specific goals, provide rewards and consequences, keep using rewards and
consequences
• Social skills training is also important as some children with ADHD have difficulties in
social situations
• There are group therapies for social skills that help children learn in a controlled setting
• Consistency is very important for children with ADHD
• Parents should create a routine, use clocks and timers, simplify their children’s schedules
• Praise is important
 Eshal Ali
ISM-Period 1

Summary: This source was informative on the many different treatment options for ADHD; it
has helped me determine what my recommendation will be in the treatment plan I create for my
project

Lilienfeld, Scott O. “Are Doctors Diagnosing Too Many Kids with ADHD?” Scientific

American, Scientific American, 1 May 2013, www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-

doctors-diagnosing-too-many-kids-adhd/.

• In 1902, George Frederic Still, a British pediatrician, first described what is now ADHD
• 2005 survey found 82% of teachers and 68% of undergraduates think ADHD
overdiagnosed
• Overdiagnosis can lead to too heavy a reliance on pills/medication
• The data is stronger for the claim that there is undertreatment of ADHD
• DSM-IV is the diagnostic guide written by the American Psychiatric Association and lists
three categories of ADHD indicators: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
• 5% of children in school have ADHD and boys are three times more likely to be
diagnosed
• Some say that it is overdiagnosed and is just medicalizing the normal hyper behaviors of
children
• Studies show that ADHD symptoms occur to a greater degree than normal behavior
• Studies have shown that, in some cases, ADHD is misdiagnosed in children
• Stimulants have been used to treat ADHD since 1938
• Common stimulants used are Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and Vyvanse
• Another common treatment is the non-stimulant Strattera
• Drugs have been proven to improve behevior of 80% of children with ADHD
• Stimulant drugs can cause insomnia, weight loss, and stunted height, although not
extreme
• Sources and studies report that many children without ADHD were prescribed stimulants
• It is still undertreated, study showed that only 2/3 children diagnosed received stimulant
prescription
• The new diagnostic manual being released in May is expected to decrease proportion of
symptoms required for diagnosis and increase age of onset to 12 years old

Summary: This source provided different perspectives, all reliable, on the issue of diagnosis and
treatment of ADHD, which I will take into consideration when creating my final presentation and
product.
 Eshal Ali
ISM-Period 1