How is ADD diagnosed?
ADD is generally diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or medical doctor using a behavioral checklist in combination with obtained history and observations both per self-report and by third parties such as parents and teachers. The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) lists the following symptoms: lack of attention to details; makes careless mistakes; difficulty sustaining attention to tasks; does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; fails to follow instructions carefully and completely; losing or forgetting important things; feeling restless, fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming; running or climbing excessively; often talks excessively; often blurts out answers before hearing the whole question; often has difficulty waiting his or her turn. A certain number of these symptoms must be present and also be excessive, pervasive, and long-term. Other medical and psychological factors must also be ruled out. For example, low blood s
