Problems with Diagnosis
One of the biggest problems or challanges with diagnosing ADD or ADHD is that there are no specific tests--no blood or urine test, no xray, no CT scan, and no MRI Scan--which are diagnostic of ADD or ADHD.
Currently under research are some PET scanning tests which show differences between patients with and without ADD or ADHD. There are also some sophisticated tests of brain size which show differences between patients with and without ADHD. These tests are very expensive and currently not available for diagnosing ADD or ADHD.
Suspecting the Diagnosis
The very first step in diagnosis is to suspect that your child or yourself has ADHD or ADD. The following symptoms suggest a need for further evaluation:
Problems with attention--trouble focusing, concentrating, keeping mind on work.
-
Problems with hyperactivity--trouble being still, constantly talking and moving
-
Problems with impulsiveness--trouble with doing things before thinking
Arriving at a Diagnosis
So, how do physicians who are trained in Behavioral Medicine determine who has and does not have ADHD? We use BEHAVIOR RATING SCALES. These scales have been developed to differentiate(separate) ADD & ADHD from normal kids(or adults) and from all the other behavioral disorders.
These BEHAVIOR RATING SCALES are available to Physicians or Psychologists in a Manual called the DSM-IV (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual--4th edition).
Behavior Rating Scale:
To view this scale and/or to print it out, click the following link:
If you have any comments of ideas of things that would really help you, email me at:
DrJerry@ADHDStrategies.com
I want to help you "be the best person you can be"
Dr. Jerry Is Online
Jerry Rodgers, M.D.
|
Products