Think Your Child Has ADHD? 3 Tips To Get Them Diagnosed Properly
Approximately six percent of children in the United States currently being treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you think your child has ADHD they are likely hyperactive and have problems focusing and controlling their impulses. Your child may also have problems paying attention, such as in class and at home. If this is true, it is important that you get the right diagnosis for your child, so they can get on the right medication. Below are some tips on how you can do this-this.
Use Only a Medical Professional
The only people that can diagnose ADHD in your child includes a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist. However, if one of these professionals diagnose your child with ADHD it is still a good idea to get a second opinion. This will ensure your child does have this mental disorder. You do not want your child to put on medication that they do not need.
If your child's doctor says your child has ADHD, ask the doctor if they have any training in this mental disorder.
Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD properly can take time. First, your child will have a clinical interview with the doctor.
The doctor will ask your child about symptoms. For example, your child may say they constantly feel jittery or they cannot focus enough on their school work. The doctor will ask your child when they first started noticing these symptoms.
If your child is very young, the doctor will interview you also. They will ask you the same questions and many more. The doctor will want to know if there is a history of ADHD or other mental disorders in the family.
This ADHD evaluation and interview entails much more than this and can take a few hours to complete. If your child is young the doctor may break up the interview, so your child will have to return a few times to complete everything.
Get a Physical Exam
There may be times when there is something physical that causes ADHD symptoms to appear. For example, if your child has a problem with their thyroid, this can lead to these kinds of symptoms.
If the doctor finds no medical problems, they will make sure it is safe for your child to take the medication prescribed to them.
Talk with your child's doctor about this information and they can give you many more details.
