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What every parent needs to know about tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD
Do you think ADHD is diagnosed? Perhaps now that much more information available about ADHD, it is increasingly easy to diagnose. So what are the tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD First, the doctor will to rule out other possible conditions that can mimic to some extent, ADD and ADHD symptoms. There is also the possibility of co-morbid condition which means that two or more disorders may be affecting the child. So it is so important to have a reliable test for ADHD fact.
The most common co-morbid disorders are odd oppositional defiant disorder meaning. It is estimated that up to 35% of children with ADHD and ODD may also have as its name suggests, the tantrums breaking rule and are at the forefront. Anxiety can also coexist and the percentage in this case is high, accounting for approximately one quarter of children with ADHD. concern excessive fear and even panic attacks may be present.
Before actually organizing the tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD, the doctor will have rule out other possible conditions. These could be lead poisoning, which tends to occur in disadvantaged families, since they live in abandoned houses where older be chewed old paint with lead ingestion. A simple blood test can rule out this possibility. There may be problems with vision or hearing. It could be a low number red blood cells (anemia), which will make the child lethargic or it could be a thyroid problem, although the latter condition is more common in adults than in children.
Besides the medical examination, medical history review of the child and parents, a series of tests are given. These are known as rating scales. The basic idea is that you can compare with other children the same age. There are two scales for parents trying to figure out what exactly child's symptoms are (this is called the Conners Parent Rating Scale) and also a sort of checklist for behavior problems known as the Child Behavior Checklist. The same checklists and rating scales are also given to teachers to record how the child behaves in the classroom. As you can see a test for ADHD is very complex.
The following checklist of SNAP (named after its inventor, Swanson, Nolan and Pelham) is used to evaluate all responses as indicated in the DSM IV manual. These rating scales and tests are not entirely reliable, and indeed the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the rating scales used in conjunction with other means, since they are not the only tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD.
Once a diagnosis of ADHD has been done may want to do some research on this disorder, the medications your doctor prescribed. As you know, the side effects of these drugs (which are drugs mind-altering after all) can cause more problems to solve as the side effects can sometimes be alarming to say the least. You want to do research on ADHD natural cures that are free of side effects and absolutely safe.
About the Author
Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children’s Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what ADHD Alternative Therapy is available.
