Diagnosis


 * DIAGNOSIS OF ADHD**

Ideally a diagnosis should be made by a professional in your area with training in ADHD or in the diagnosis of mental disorders. Child psychiatrists and psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, or behavioral neurologists are those most often trained in differential diagnosis. Clinical social workers may also have such training.

The families usually start by talking with the child's pediatrician or their family doctor. Some pediatricians may do the assessment themselves, but often they refer the family to an appropriate mental health specialist they know and trust.

Sometimes parents see signs of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention in children but usually seek the help of a pediatrician to check if what their child is doing is age appropriate or if there is an underlying problem. Many times boys with ADHD are more likely to be properly diagnosed because they are more like to have the combined type of ADHD. Boys usually experience hyperactive impulsive behaviors, inattentive behaviors, and/or a combination of these behaviors therefore are more apt to be noticed. Girls are more like to have the attention type of ADHD, which can lead to difficulty in attending and focusing rather than in disruptive behavior.

The proper use of these criteria requires specialized clinical training that provides both a body of knowledge and clinical skills. The following diagnostic criteria is used as a guideline to make diagnosis.

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