An Overview on ADD Symptoms and Testing
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), more commonly called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a complex mental health disorder that affects many children and adolescents living in the New Braunfels, San Marcos and Seguin, Texas communities. The disorder often affects a child’s social interactions and learning and functioning behaviors. ADD symptoms are not always easy for an adult to spot because the symptoms vary and are not always present at all times. Dr. Katie Skelton, child and adolescent psychiatrist, places a focus on this disorder and is available to provide ADD testing, diagnosis and treatment plans to New Braunfels area parents.
Common ADD Symptoms in Children
Almost all children display ADD symptoms at one time or another since the disorder is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. The disorder has many symptoms and they vary greatly from one child to the next. Children with ADD must display at least 6 of the most common symptoms for at least 6 months in order to be diagnosed with the disorder.
Common ADD symptoms include:
- Forgetting things
- Becoming easily distracted
- Switching between activities too quickly
- Not following directions
- Daydreaming often
- Moving and fidgeting often
- Talking nonstop
- Interrupting others
- Blurting out responses at inappropriate times
- Being impatient
- Having difficulty controlling emotions
Determining if these symptoms are truly ADD requires the assistance of a professional, such as Dr. Katie Skelton.
ADD Test and Diagnosis
There is no single ADD test (medical, physical or mental) that diagnoses Attention Deficit Disorder. A professional trained in the disorder will use a symptom checklist, answers to questions about past and present behavioral issues and outside sources of information from caregivers, teachers, etc. to gain a better understanding of the child’s behavior.
In order to reach a diagnosis, the child must display a combination of at least 6 strong ADD symptoms – hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. The ADD symptoms must have a negative impact on the child’s life, be ongoing for at least 6 months and be present in multiple settings (home and school). With no single ADD test available to help with a diagnosis, a professional will base their conclusion on the observance of symptoms and by ruling out other possible disorders or behavioral issues.
Managing ADD may seem overwhelming for parents and other caregivers at first, but treatment takes time. It is important to always remember that ADD symptoms are treatable. With the right treatment and professional support, a child will be able to get the symptoms under control and regain a more normal school and home life.
Medication management with or without therapy has been proven to be the best intervention for numerous children and adolescents suffering from ADD symptoms. It is important to note that medication is often superior to therapy alone in many young patients. Click here to read an informative Q&A, ‘The Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA).’
To learn more about ADD tests and diagnosis, or for more details on common ADD symptoms, please contact the New Braunfels, San Marcos and Seguin, Texas area office of Dr. Katie Skelton.