Understanding ADHD -- Diagnosis and Treatment
In this article
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
ADHD is a complex condition and is sometimes difficult to diagnose.
There is no single test for ADHD. Doctors diagnose ADHD in children and teens after discussing symptoms at length with the child, parents, and teachers and observing the child's behaviors. The doctor will also gather information about any similar problems that run in the family and consider all possible causes.
Understanding ADHD
Find out more about ADHD:
Basics
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
To confirm a diagnosis of ADHD or learning differences, a battery of tests may be given to assess a child's neurological and psychological status. The tests should be given by a pediatrician or mental health provider with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD. The tests include:
- A medical and social history of both the child and the family.
- A physical exam and neurological assessment that includes screenings of vision, hearing, and verbal and motor skills. More tests may be given if there is a possibility that hyperactivity is related to some other physical problem.
- An evaluation of intelligence, aptitude, personality traits, or processing skills. These evaluations are often done with input from the parents and teachers if the child is of school age.
- A noninvasive scan -- called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System -- that measures theta and beta brain waves. The theta/beta ratio has been shown to be higher in children and adolescents with ADHD than in children without it.
What Are the Treatments for ADHD?
The most effective treatment for ADHD is thought to be a combination of medication and psychological and behavioral therapies. Close cooperation among therapists, doctors, teachers, and parents is very important, and team meetings help.
Stimulants. Although there is considerable controversy about their possible overuse, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD. Stimulants often decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration. They include amphetamine salt combo (Adderall ), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Focalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin), and methylphenidate HCI (Quillivant XR).The newest formulations allow children to take the medicine only once a day. Methylphenidate (Daytrana) is a stimulant that comes in the form of a skin patch that is applied once a day and worn for about 9 hours. The patch has been known to cause permanent skin discoloration so should be monitored.