ADHD is considered a mental health disorder, so only a licensed professional can make the diagnosis that a child, teen, or adult has ADHD. These professionals use the DSM IV. Over the past 10 years, public awareness about ADHD has led to more children and adults being diagnosed with the disorder. Some people believe that the condition is being over-diagnosed. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the individual must meet the specific diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM IV. The criteria are set around the most prevalent symptoms

Behavioral Therapy. ADHD can cause significant inappropriate behaviors. Frequent complaints include failure to follow rules, listen to commands, complete tasks, delay gratification, or control impulses. In addition, some youth may be aggressive or anxious. These symptoms lead to their own set of problems, such as fighting or avoiding tasks. Knowing more about behavior and how to support positive behavior is extremely useful information for anybody dealing with someone who has ADHD. Researchers have identified effective strategies that parents can use.

strategies). Use positive attention, rules and consequences, and formal systems such as contracts and charts. The main goal of all behavior management strategies is to increase the child's appropriate behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior. The best way to influence any behavior is to pay attention to it. Thus, the best way to increase a desirable behavior is to catch the child being good. They need to know ahead of time what behavior is expected and what the consequences will be for behaving or misbehaving. Consequences are given as soon as possible. Far more positive consequences and rewards should be given than punishments. Those who hear too much negative feedback often become miserable and depressed. Children and teens with ADHD respond best to motivation and positive reinforcement. It is best to avoid punishment. When punishment is necessary, use it sparingly and with sensitivity. The main goal is to replace inappropriate with appropriate behavior.

In order to be considered a symptom of ADHD, a behavior must occur more than once in a while. According to the DSM IV, there must be clear evidence of significant difficulties in two or more settings. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must be present at least six months. Some of these symptoms have to cause problems before age 7. The symptoms have to be developmentally inappropriate. ADHD is determined by the number of symptoms present and the extent of the difficulties they cause. In addition, the number of symptoms and the problems they cause may change across the life span. In a small number of cases, ADHD does go away in adolescence or adult years. However, in most cases, the problems only shift.

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