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DIAGNOSING AD/HD Classed as a neurological condition, AD/HD is caused by an imbalance of the chemical Dopamine. Individuals with AD/HD produce insufficient Dopamine, which is responsible for the area of brain that controls concentration, impulses and moods. Research has shown that it is a genetic disorder, although not in every case. AD/HD usually manifests itself from the age of eighteen months onwards; diagnostic criteria state that symptoms need to have been present before the age of seven. There are no known cases of adults developing AD/HD. The symptoms include a reduced ability to: ‘Maintain attention without distraction, control of doing, or saying something due to impulsivity and lack of appropriate fore-thought; and control the amount of physical activity appropriate to the situation.’ Many individuals experience these symptoms on occasions, but for AD/HD sufferers they form a persistent pattern of behaviour which is very debilitating both at home and school, resulting in possible serious long term relationship difficulties.
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