Hyperactive

[Denise__0]

  My four year old has been off the wall since just the beginning of December.
  I thought the fact that Christmas was coming made her all the more excited.
  Now that Christmas is over, she is still bouncing off the walls and won't
  listen to any of her preschool teachers.  The daycare she goes to has tried
  every method of discipline, still I get calls telling me she's having to go
  to the Director's Office to sit in time out.  She will not listen to anyone.
  And feels she can do anything she wants.  We've tried timeouts, taking things away
  she likes, and no rewards.  I was wondering if she needs some kind of medication
  to calm down, listen and concentrate?  My husband does not want her to start
  on any Ridylin because his two younger brothers were on it for being
  hyperkinetic when they were younger.  I think she needs it.
  Thank you for your advice.
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Dear Denise :
To diagnose AD ( attention deficit ) or ADHD ( with hyperactivity ) you need
Six of nine symptoms of inattention :
1.  Careless school work
2. Difficulty sustaining attention
3.  Doesn’t listen.
4.  Failure to finish work
5.  Disorganization
6.  Avoidance of tasks that require sustained attention
7.  Loss of objects necessary for tasks
8.  Easy distractibility
9.  Forgetfulness
You also need six of nine Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms :
1.  fidgety
2.  Inappropriately getting out of seat
3.  Inappropriately running or climbing on objects.
4.  Inability to play quietly
5.  Being on the go
6.  Talking excessively
7.  Stating answers before questions are completed
8.  Difficulty in waiting one’s turn
9.  Interrupting others
All these symptoms must occur in more than two settings ( e.g. school and home ). They must also impair the child’s social or academic function. AD or ADHD are therefore usually diagnosed in school-aged children ( 6 and above ). Some of these symptoms maybe present before this age as part of normal development and curiosity . AD or ADHD is a chronic disorder . Symptoms will have to be present for at least 6 months. If the behavior of your child was suddenly changed , recent psychological stressors should be sought ( track back to when this all started , anything that may have triggered her impulsivity or hyperactivity ). Some triggers for labile emotions include
1.  separation from parents or significant caregivers  
2.  painful injuries
3.  Illness
4.  Treatment of an illness ( hospital stay )
5.  Divorce
6.  Change of residency
Disclaimer : this information is for academic purposes only . Your physician is ultimately responsible for your health care and diagnosis.
Keywords : Attention Deficit and hyperactivity Diagnosis* ( Behavioral pediatrics )