How to Diagnose ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a biological condition of the brain whichmultitude of other medical conditions. This test is
can be shaped and/or aggravated by manydesigned to rule other conditions such as thyroid
different internal and external factors. One has todysfunction, allergies, brain injury, brain tumor,
wonder how your doctor reacts in private whenconnective tissue disease, lead poisoning, and
faced with a complicated case of attention deficitAsperger's just to name a few.
hyperactivity disorder. Does he welcome the*Skills Testing
challenge or does he face the complicatedBoth motor and cognitive skills will likely be tested.
evaluation process with a certain amount ofMotor skills tests are usually administered by a
trepidation. I suspect there is a little of both goingtrained occupational or physical therapist. Social
on. In this informational article titled "How toskills tests are often administered by counselors
Diagnose ADHD" we will lay out the seven basicor psychologists who have specialized training in
methods used for unraveling the mystery ofthe area of social skills.
ADHD. It is important to point out that the*Performance Evaluation
intricacy of the evaluation process can involve anThis step involves measuring an individual's ability
elaborate series of cumbersome tests that mayto maintain attention and is conducted using the
take hours or even weeks to complete or a fewstandardized continuous performance test (CPT).
simple questions combined with a questionnaire. ItDon't underestimate the importance of this test
largely depends on your doctor and theirdue to the fact that a positive diagnosis will hinge
profession approach.on whether or not your child has inattention.
*Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluations*Physiological Testing
This step varies from doctor to doctor butThis type of testing may just be the future of
generally involves completing a fairlyADHD diagnostic procedure but hasn't yet made it
straightforward questionnaire which scores yourinto the main stream. There are many different
symptoms, rating them from being severe tooptions all with long names and odd abbreviations.
nonexistent. Most of the questions will followExamples would be EEG, ERP, MRI, PET and so
guidelines put forward by the DSM-IV.on.
*Educational TestingIn summary, how to diagnose ADHD is perhaps
This step evaluates age appropriate performance.as complicated and confusing as the condition
These tests have less to do with trying toitself, not to mention the astronomical costs that
identify the symptoms of ADHD than withcould be involved. Perhaps this explains why many
evaluating the patients intellectual functioning inparents of suspected ADHD children are choosing
terms of potential, balance, and performance into embark on an alternative treatment plan
relation to perceived potential.including a wide range of natural alternatives.
*Behavioral AssessmentPerhaps the most popular of these treatment
This may be included in the educational testingoptions for ADHD is that of homeopathic
criteria. A behavioral assessment is normallyremedies. Homeopathic remedies for ADHD /AD
conducted by a trained behavioral specialist whoHD are very safe and have shown promising
has both experience and an understanding ofresults in controlling such problematic symptoms
ADHD.as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. If you
*Medical Testingare hesitant about the evaluation process and are
As you may or may not know ADHD sharessearching for a natural treatment option this is an
many of its problematic symptoms with aarea worth considering.