ADD/ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms usually appear early in life, often between the ages of 3 and 6, and because symptoms vary from person to person, the disorder can be hard to diagnose.
Recently Answered
- Q Who can diagnose ADHD?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineDoctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other trained mental-health professionals can all diagnose ADHD. You might suspect you or your child has ADHD, but only a professional can give an accurate diagnosis based on scientific... Full Answer
4 Answers
A
- Q How does a doctor diagnose ADHD?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineUnfortunately, ADHD cannot be diagnosed with a simple blood test or x-ray. Instead, doctors and mental health professionals look at what the presenting symptoms or complaints are, if they could be caused by something other than ADHD, and if they... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What is the first step if I think my child has ADHD?
-
If you think that your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), talk to your pediatrician. Pediatricians can guide you in ADHD diagnosis and treatment options. If you are unsure about whether you should seek help or not, consider the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is there a test that can diagnose ADHD unequivocally?
-
Deborah Davis, Obstetrics & GynecologyThere is no single medical, physical, or other test for diagnosing ADD/ADHD. To determine if you or you child has ADD/ADHD, a doctor or other health professional will need to be involved, and you can expect him or her to use a number of different... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineAlthough attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is difficult to convincingly and precisely diagnose in the preschool years, evaluation and associated intervention can dramatically improve the prognosis of the behaviors of concern. You... Full Answer
12 Answers
A
- Q Are more cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder being diagnosed?
-
The percentage of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased by approximately 3 percent each year. The reason or reasons for the increase are not well understood. Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Why is ADHD often misdiagnosed?
-
Children, teens, and even adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly develop one or more overlapping conditions, including anxiety and depression, sleep and personality disorders, other learning disabilities, and... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can a teacher diagnose ADHD?
-
Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, PsychologyWhen your child's teacher tells you your child has attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), realize that the call from the teacher is not a diagnosis. Teachers are not qualified to make a diagnosis. A diagnosis of ADHD requires a... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What role can teachers play in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity?
-
Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, PsychologyThe teacher's interpretations of your child's behavior can have dramatic effects on his attitudes toward education and the course of his motivation and achievement. Research has found that teachers may be the force behind the dramatic increases... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Is ADHD over diagnosed?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineProbably not, according to medical reviews. It was probably under diagnosed in the past. While parents and teachers often are the first to recognize ADHD symptoms, only a trained health professional can provide a diagnosis. Keep in mind that to... Full Answer
2 Answers
A

