Testing for ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD is characterized by the Centers for Disease Control as a disorder that mainly affects concentration and behavior. While adults can also have symptomatic ADHD, the focus of this article is on testing children who exhibit the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

As a parent, you may have noticed some symptoms of ADHD in your child like difficulty with their attention span at home, comments and concerns from teachers about their inability to pay attention in class, and being easily distracted. In order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made by a medical professional, the DSM-IV-TR states that at least six of the criteria listed in the Inattention category, and/or six of the criteria in the listed in the Hyperactivity and Impulsivity categories must be present and have a duration of at least six months. The lists of criteria described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders can be found at www.ritalindeath.com.

If you feel that your child exhibits a significant amount of symptoms, it is time to consider testing for ADHD. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the diagnosis of ADHD, and many people feel that it is often misdiagnosed, or over diagnosed in the children of this country. When considering testing, it is important to look for a professional who has experience with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Remember that teachers, school councilors, babysitters, or daycare workers are not trained to diagnose your child.

There are a lot of online resources that claim to have self-tests that can diagnose ADHD, but you should only trust a trained psychiatrist or psychologist with the diagnosis and treatment of your child. The medical professional will use behavioral questionnaires answered by you, and possibly your child's teachers and other caregivers. He or she may also schedule sessions designed to give them an opportunity to observe your child in order to determine the presence of symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there are a few different treatment options to consider, and your health care provider can assist you in deciding which course of action is best suited to your child's situation.

Treatment with prescription medications like Ritalin is an extreme option, and should only be tried when all other non-chemical methods have been exhausted. Medications can have a variety of unwanted side effects.

Natural treatments for ADHD include dietary modifications, behavioral modifications, and therapy sessions for both the patient and the family. There are also ADHD support groups that may give you the parent vital help in dealing with a child with ADHD. These alternative treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder provide a safer option without the side effects of medication.

Only you and your health care provider can decide what treatment option is right for your child and their unique situation, and it is best to discuss all options before deciding on any one treatment.

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