How Is ADHD Identified and Diagnosed?
cont. from
Many parents see signs of an attention deficit in toddlers long before the
child enters school. For example, as a 3-year-old, Henry's son already displayed
some signs of hyperactivity. He seemed to lose interest and dart off even during
his favorite TV shows or while playing games. Once, during a game of "catch," he
left the game before the ball even reached him!
Like Henry's son, a child may be unable to focus long enough to play a simple
game. Or, like Mark, the child may be tearing around out of control. But because
children mature at different rates, and are very different in personality,
temperament, and energy level, it's useful to get an expert's opinion of whether
the behaviors are appropriate for the child's age. Parents can ask their
pediatrician, or a child psychologist or psychiatrist to assess whether their
toddler has an attention disorder or is just immature, has hyperactivity or is
just exuberant.
Seeing a child as "a chip off the old block" or "just like his dad" can blind
parents to the need for help. Parents may find it hard to see their child's
behavior as a problem when it so closely resembles their own. In fact, like
Henry, many parents first recognize their own disorder only when their children
are diagnosed.
In many cases, the teacher is the first to recognize that a child is
hyperactive or inattentive and may consult with the school psychologist. Because
teachers work with many children, they come to know how "average" children
behave in learning situations that require attention and self control. However,
teachers sometimes fail to notice the needs of children like Lisa who are quiet
and cooperative.
Types of Professionals Who Make the Diagnosis
School-age and preschool children are often evaluated by a school
psychologist or a team made up of the school psychologist and other specialists.
But if the school doesn't believe the student has a problem, or if the family
wants another opinion, a family may need to see a specialist in private
practice. In such cases, who can the family turn to? What kinds of specialists
do they need?
| Specialty |
Can diagnose ADHD |
Can prescribe medications, if needed |
Provides counseling or training |
| Psychiatrists |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Psychologists |
yes |
no |
yes |
| Pediatricians or family physicians |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Neurologists |
yes |
yes |
no |
The family can start by talking with the child's pediatrician or their family
doctor. Some pediatricians may do the assessment themselves, but more often they
refer the family to an appropriate specialist they know and trust. In addition,
state and local agencies that serve families and children, as well as some of
the volunteer organizations listed in the back of this booklet, can help
identify an appropriate specialist.
Knowing the differences in qualifications and services can help the family
choose someone who can best meet their needs. Besides school psychologists,
there are several types of specialists qualified to
diagnose and treat ADHD.
Child psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating
childhood mental and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist can provide therapy
and prescribe any needed medications. Child psychologists are also qualified to
diagnose and treat ADHD. They can provide therapy for the child and help the
family develop ways to deal with the disorder. But psychologists are not medical
doctors and must rely on the child's physician to do medical exams and prescribe
medication. Neurologists, doctors who work with disorders of the brain and
nervous system, can also diagnose ADHD and prescribe medicines. But unlike
psychiatrists and psychologists, neurologists usually do not provide therapy for
the emotional aspects of the disorder. Adults who think they may have ADHD can
also seek a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist. But at present, not all
specialists are skilled in identifying or treating ADHD in adults.
Within each specialty, individual doctors and mental health professionals
differ in their experience with ADHD. So in selecting a specialist, it's
important to find someone with specific training and experience in
diagnosing
and treating the disorder.
next: Steps in
Diagnosing ADHD
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Reviewed: 01/2006
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