Shortcuts to the Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

In my experience, each of the following is a valuable clinical clue to the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

Virtually ABSOLUTE indicators of ADD/ADHD brain chemistry are:

1. Hyperactivity/Fidgetiness of the body

2. Impulsivity (hyperactivity of the mind)

3. Unexplained inattention for "boring" mental activities

4. Primary nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting

5. Episodic Explosiveness, also called Tantrums or Emotional Outbursts

Strongly SUGGESTIVE indicators of ADD/ADHD brain chemistry are:

1. Coming awake slowly in the morning and/or being excessively grouchy without reason in the morning (91%)

2. Difficulty falling asleep at night (73%)

3. Unexplained irritability and easy frustration (very common)

4. Unexplained negativity with or without depression (common)

5. Verbal and/or spatial dyslexia (55%)

Sometimes, people with the above clinical problems are mistakenly thought of as lazy, stupid or having Bipolar Disorder by those who know them and medical professionals. Sadly, such an undocumented attitude toward people with ADD/ADHD brain chemistry can, when wrong, delay timely treatment and, if misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder lead to inappropriate and disagreeable treatment as well as prolong suffering. Also, please Keep in mind that it is difficult to treat ADD/ADHD brain chemistry effectively if it is not first so identified.

If there is documentation of ADD/ADHD brain chemistry, medical treatment should be started as early in life as possible.