Getting a Diagnosis

  It is essential that a proper diagnosis is made before an appropriate treatment plan can be placed into action. There is no test for ADHD. An evaluation in the following areas should be done:

• physical exam - history and/or exam from a medical doctor
• academic testing (including aptitude) - testing to find out IQ and if there are possible learning disabilities
• psychological testing - testing to find if there are any emotional problems
• behavioral testing - testing to see if there are any major behavioral problems
• sometimes neurological testing

  Also needed is a complete family history, parents and teacher rating scales on children. With all this information, the doctor can eliminate other problems that exhibit many of the same symptoms as ADHD.

Once a proper diagnosis has been made a treatment plan can be designed and placed into action.

This information was taken from a handout by Jan Roberts MS , LPC and Cindy Taylor, PhD.