• Knowledgebase: ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)

    Questions about ADHD and its diagnosis and management.

    1. How young can ADHD be Diagnosed? - Top

    Q: What is the earliest age a child can be properly diagnosed with ADHD? What are the signs when observing a four year old boy?

    A: I have seen studies which refer to the prevelance of ADHD down to the 4 year old age group.

    In younger children, the more apparent features of ADHD are the hyperactivity components such as:
    -always on the go
    -fidgeting all the time
    -climbing excessively
    -inability to play quietly in place

    It is hard to measure inattentiveness and distractibility at this age due to the short attention span that a 4 year old is generally going to have. - Updated: April 8, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP