childhood disorders

Does My Child Have ADHD/ADD?

Submitted by Dr. Anjum Bashir
ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. While most children sometimes get distracted, act impulsively, and struggle to concentrate, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often in children with ADHD. Children who have symptoms of inattention may: Be easily distracted, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another Have difficulty focusing on one thing Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities Not seem to listen when spoken to Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others Struggle to follow instructions Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may: Fidget and squirm in their seats Talk nonstop Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time Be constantly in motion Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may: Be very impatient Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games Often interrupt conversations or others' activities ADHD can be very difficult to diagnose. Children mature at different rates and have different personalities, temperaments, and energy levels. Sometimes, these normal factors may be mistaken for ADHD. On the other hand, adults may think that children with the hyperactive and impulsive subtypes just have emotional or disciplinary problems. Parents and teachers can miss the fact that children with symptoms of inattention have the disorder because they are often quiet and not disruptive. They may sit quietly, seeming to work, but they are often not paying attention to what they are doing. ADHD is traditionally diagnosed by gathering information about the child and his or her behavior and environment. If the child meets the criteria for ADHD, which includes having at least six symptoms for more than six months to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age, he or she will be diagnosed with the disorder. The problem with this method of diagnosis is that it is still very subjective. A new technology is now available that can diagnose ADHD with greater certainty. The FDA has recently approved the Quotient ADHD System providing doctors and parents with objective measurement

of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity for clinical assessment of ADHD. The test, which only takes about 15 minutes, involves the child sitting at a specially-designed computer workstation. The System uses a patented Motion Tracking System to measure an individuals movement while focusing on visual stimuli and accurately measures motion and analyzes shifts in attention state. The System then compares the results of the patients test to other individuals of age and gender matched groups. Results are calculated based on nineteen or more parameters that combine to give greater than 90 percent accuracy in identifying ADHD. Results are available immediately, allowing doctor and parents to move forward with treatment plans promptly. While there is no cure, proper diagnosis and treatment can eliminate or control many of the symptoms so that people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. For more information please contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 309-808-2326. His office is located at 205 N. Williamsburg, Suite D in Bloomington. He is one of the few physicians in Central Illinois offering Quotient Testing for ADHD diagnosis. More information on Quotient testing, is available online at www.biobdx.com.

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October 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 37