Symptoms
If you talk about an attention deficit, then everyone immediately has the image of fidgeting in front of their eyes. That there are also very complex main and secondary symptoms can only be seen by those who come into contact with the syndrome in some way. Furthermore, different variants of the attention deficit syndrome are distinguished from each other: ADHD and ADD + hyperactivity (ADHD), as well as a mixed type of both variants.
People who suffer from one variant of this syndrome find it difficult to distinguish between important and unimportant stimuli. It is assumed that those affected are often in a state of permanent stimulus satiation, which means that they suffer from permanent stress. According to the different variants there are on the one hand symptoms that can occur in both main areas – i.e. both ADHD and ADHD – but also those that are specific.
What could be signs of ADHD?
Dreaminess is typical, which can become noticeable in the child, for example, by staring out of the window for a long time or scribbling on the documents. In addition, the child’s ability to concentrate is disturbed, making it difficult for them to perform tasks, follow instructions incompletely and are easily distracted. They find it difficult to make social contact and often isolate themselves. Their intelligence is not limited and they often have a flourishing imagination and creativity.
Diagnosis
The fact that it is not easy to make a diagnosis of ADHD is partly due to the fact that symptoms typical of ADHD also occur in children and adolescents as well as in adults (adult diagnosis of ADHD) without them suffering from ADHD themselves. A lack of attention and “stubbornness” can be seen in almost every child from time to time. The difficulty of a diagnosis is to isolate these cases and to diagnose “real” ADHD cases.
This can be compared symbolically with the famous search for a needle in a haystack. Before a strenuous diagnostic procedure can be imposed on the child, any “suspicious facts” should have been repeatedly revealed over a period of about half a year – and above all in a similar form. The following diagnostic measures should be taken into account in order to rule out faulty diagnostics as far as possible. – Questioning the parents
- Assessment of the situation by the school (Kiga)
- Preparation of a psychological report
- Clinical (medical) diagnostics
Test for ADS in children
If parents or teachers notice a persistent lack of attention and concentration and possibly other ADHD symptoms, they can have the child tested for this disorder. Usually the paediatrician is responsible for this and carries out various attention and behaviour tests. A physical examination and intelligence tests are also part of the diagnosis to rule out other causes for the symptoms.
The tests used are the same procedures as those used for typical ADHD. These include, for example, questionnaires for the parents and the child that ask about typical symptoms and accompanying problems, such as the SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), the Conners Scales or the CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist). Computer-assisted variants, in which the child’s reaction and concentration skills are required, can also be used.
However, even more important than these tests is the medical history, i.e. a detailed discussion with the doctor. These standardised tests often do not cover all symptoms and are not reliable. Only when the doctor also detects ADHD after the examination is the diagnosis confirmed. How to recognise behavioural disorders in the baby