To facilitate proper understanding of ADHD assessment in Charlotte, NC, you will need to learn the basics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are three main symptoms of ADHD—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention may look like trouble concentrating, distractibility, forgetfulness, making careless mistakes, or being easily discouraged during tasks that need precision and focus. Hyperactivity is not always present, but can come out as someone who is very fidgety, has a hard time staying put when it is expected that they remain seated, and seemingly always having a need to be on the move. Sometimes ADHD manifests as impulsivity. In this instance, a person appears to be impatient, excessively talkative, unable to wait their turn, and quickly moving from one task to another without finishing the first. Any other symptoms that are very similar to the ones listed here can likely be identified as ADHD.

In order for a person to be considered as having ADHD, they need to have at least one of these symptoms continually for a minimum of 6 months. It is not uncommon for adult patients to trace problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity being present even during their childhood. In addition to prolonged symptoms, they must also have a negative impact in at least two different settings, which may include work, schooling and academics, family life, and social interactions.

Assessing and diagnosing ADHD is done mainly through a visit to your personal physician or therapist. They will take a personal history and fill out a checklist or questionnaire that focuses on your behavior under varying circumstances and in different settings. You will be asked to rate yourself on a scale of behaviors occurring never or rarely, sometimes, most of the time, or all of the time. This will aid your doctor in giving a correct diagnosis. Depending on your age or situation, your doctor or therapist may even want to observe you in different situations in order to get a more accurate profile.

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