Currently, there is no laboratory or imaging test for ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD and the subcategory Attention Deficit Disorder(ADD)should be made by a professional, usually a child or adult psychiatrist (depending on the age of the client), psychologist, social worker, developmental pediatrician, or behavioral neurologist, over a series of visits. A complete physical examination by a health provider should also be given to ascertain that there are no hearing or vision problems, allergies, eczema, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, or other conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
To make an accurate diagnosis for a child, the examiner needs a full and detailed history of the child’s developmental, behavioral and academic performance, which the child’s parent usually provides.
Step2
The examiner should also ask for and use information provided by the child’s teacher (often a completed rating scale as well as any anecdotal information) to help determine if the child is experiencing impaired functioning at school. Additional information contributed by coaches, caregivers and other adults who have frequent contact with the child is also often helpful to the examiner.
Step3
In many cases, the parent will gather the information and transmit it to the medical professional. In addition and equally as importantly, the examiner will conduct a comprehensive interview with the child. For an adult, self reporting is generally acceptable although a full medical evaluation is also desirable. Some adults may choose to include their employer in the evaluation process.
Step4
Because ADHD is a condition whose symptoms often vary depending on the situation, it is important to have information across several different settings (e.g., personal, school, work).
Step5
The evaluation for ADHD should include assessment for associated conditions such as mental retardation, learning disability, autism, or other disorders. Once the ADHD has been diagnosed, the child and the family (or for the adult, the person himself or herself) can begin to receive the appropriate medical, educational and/or emotional help.
Step6
The examining professional can make recommendations to adapt the educational or workplace setting to meet or accommodate the individual’s needs. Parents can learn how to deal more effectively with the child’s behavior.
Tips & Warnings
With a correct diagnosis and a good treatment plan, the affected individual is likely to experience positive changes within a reasonable time.
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