Adhd Guide

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders occurring in children. The disease shows itself by the time a child hits the ages of 6 or 7. Therefore, ADHD Diagnosis must be done only by a qualified and a licensed psychologist or a psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD.

According the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline, a series of evaluations is required for making an accurate diagnosis. Initially a physician has to thoroughly examine the patient for any vision problems, allergies, eczemas, epilepsies, and so on. These diseases cause symptoms similar to ADHD.

Then, the physician has to rule out the other emotional and psychological conditions like childhood trauma, sexual abuse, parental aggression in home environment, etc., as these symptoms also cause behavioral patterns similar to ADHD. However, these symptoms are treated differently than those of ADHD.

The physician will then be required to carefully look into the child's medical history. At this stage of evaluation any childhood disease or experience or parental exposure to toxins would be identifies, if any. Researchers now believe that smoking and exposure to alcohol and other substance abuse may cause ADHD in the newborn.

Then a neurologist, a child psychologist, or any other health professional would gather information about the child's development and academic history. A "Conner's Form" is used to find out about the history and nature of the behavioral difficulties, the child's relationship with his family and peers, the family's medical history and the child's social and academic performance at school in order to ascertain any learning disorders.

All these tests and evaluation techniques are essential to single out the ADHD pattern from other similar behavioral disorders. If the child had to go through a recent stressful life event such as a divorce, or some other grave family mishap, even then symptoms similar to ADHD could manifest on the child's psyche. These events, as we all know, seriously impair our abilities to concentrate and remain attentive for longer periods of time.

The diagnosis of ADHD becomes even more complex because certain emotional and psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety are also commonly seen along with those of simple ADHD.

This is the reason why the psychologist also examines the child directly so as to ascertain how the child perceives himself in relation to his environment. Detailed and separate questionnaires are prepared each for the child, his/her parents and the teachers in school.

All these questionnaires then help the psychologists in effective ADHD Diagnosis in a child. The American Academy of Pediatrics has categorized the ADHD affliction into 3 broad types. All the 3 types have separate medication and psychotherapy guidelines.