| Adult ADD diagnosis typically occurs in childhood. It | | | | symptoms that lead to hyperactivity, impulsivity or |
| often begins to show symptoms during the preschool | | | | inattention. Many of our interactions with others are in |
| and elementary school years. This is often when | | | | environments where structure plays a major role. For |
| children are placed in environments with increased | | | | example, a classroom is built on creating a structured |
| structure and more social interaction. | | | | setting where kids can learn, but what if you can't sit |
| There are specific guidelines to arriving at a mental | | | | still or pay attention to the words on the page in front |
| health Adult ADD diagnosis. According to the | | | | of you? What if your mind begins to wander every |
| Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders | | | | time the teacher begins to talk? It makes it very |
| (DSM IV), the person needs to have exhibited | | | | challenging to meet the expectations set before you. |
| symptoms prior to the age of seven and the | | | | Diagnosis is important so that you can get the |
| symptoms have to have been present for at least six | | | | treatment needed to help you more effectively |
| months. The identified symptoms also have to have | | | | manage the symptoms of ADD. |
| had a significant impact on at least two areas of life. | | | | It is important to follow up with a provider that is |
| This can include things like school, social activities or | | | | educated about Attention Deficit Disorder. Good |
| home life. If a person is only experiencing problems in | | | | resources for this are local mental health providers or |
| one area, then ADD is not the correct diagnosis. If that | | | | your primary-care physician. Schools also have |
| is the case, it is important to look at environmental | | | | information on your Adult ADD diagnosisand can often |
| factors that can be influencing the behaviors. | | | | offer suggestions on how best to support your child in |
| ADD is a mental health disorder with a set of | | | | the school environment. |