elizam,
There are issues with over diagnosis as well as underdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis is primarily by pediatricians not properly applying the criteria in the DSM and the diagnostic consensus criteria. It can happen due to parents being at there wits end trying to help their child and the doctor figuring that since the meds are relatively safe -its worth a shot.
Diagnosis of my younger child took about a year and ADHD was not even mentioned until after most of the testing was done and she had been observed by 3 psychologists in different settings. We were looking for dyslexia at the time, plus needed to rule out things like thyroid, sleep issues and other problems that can mimic ADHD.
On a side note- the companies selling non-med alternatives actually make more money than the phamaceutical companies.
vickie39112.369212963My question is this--do any kids NOT get diagnosed with ADD/ADHD even if the teacher's evaluations all say they are unfocused, etc.?
Yes, actually they do. My nephew was suspected of having ADHD in early grade school, he was tested by a psych and after the bloodwork etc was found to have thyroid problems.
If you suspect ADHD, it can be diagnosed by a pediatrician (not the best choice but sometimes this is what you have available), a psychiatrist (who can also prescribe meds), a psychologist who speciallizes in ADHD (who can provide therapy but cannot prescribe meds), a neuropsychiatrist (can do lots of testing and prescribe meds), a developmental pediatrician, etc. Generally they are tested to rule out things that have ADHD like symptoms, tested with IQ and achievement tests and Connor's forms (or similar forms) filled out by parents and teachers.
Once a diagnosis is established (including any co-morbid conditions like anxiety, ODD, etc) a treatment plan can be considered. For ADHD treatment should not be meds alone. It should include a behavior plan and if needed, therapy (there are many forms depending if there is a need).
Also, if this is affecting school performance, you can request the school start the IEP process.
Keep asking questions and getting info. You will find lots of hlep and support on this board.
You can call the school Guidance Counselor and request the parent/teacher Connor's test be distributed. One copy will be sent home for you to fill out and one will be given to the teacher to fill out. You then send it back to school and the Counselor will grade it and give it back to you, letting you know if based on the results, your child may fall on the ADHD scale. Once my DD's school counselor was informed of my suspicion's, she also did a thirty minute classroom observation and printed out a report that I was able to take to the Doctor. The diagnosis shouldn't be based solely on this, it is just a good starting point.
Good luck!
I highly recommmend getting a diagnosis by a Board Certified Child Psychiatrist. Not a school counselor, who legally cannot diagnose ADHD, or a pediatrician. Although Pediatricians mean well they do not have the knowledge or training to diagnose. They can however do the necessary bloodowrk EKG's EEG;s etc.
I'm confused as to how exactly to get my son the help he needs. The only thing his Dr. has done so far - besides listen - is draw blood to rule out any other problems. The results were fine. We have an appointment on Wed., but I'm not sure what for. I just called and made one. I still don't have the letter from his teacher - she's making me mad. She had also suggested - which I wanted to see what the Dr. said first - about talking to the ADAPT lady at the school. I'm not entirely sure what that is. It seems like you all are talking about tests and therapists and phycologists and I'm so overwhelmed. I guess I just thought the Dr. would walk us thru this better then he is. It doesn't help that we don't live in or near any sort of large city - we're hicks!!! So, anyway, can anyone tell me what to expect next or any tests I should tell the Dr. I want or what other steps I should be taking? Thanks!
Your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist, or he may discuss diagnosing himself using a Conner's Rating Scale. The latter may not be the most accurate approach, since other things mimic ADHD, and a valid dx is key to establishing a treatment plan. I also agree that asking the school psychologist to diagnose is a bad move. I think a comprehensive private eval is the way to go before even discussing it with the school. It's the safe move.
The ADAPT lady at school just sounds like a school employee providing mental health services (although they won't come right out and say that). She might do play therapy. She might teach social skills. You'd have to ask. I personally would never mix mental health and school -- things can just get out of control when you take that road.
Find a private child psychiatrist and set up an appointment. Our child psych.We went through so far over 8 weeks of evaluation.
First: pediatric
Second: paperwork by teacher and both parents
Third: parent orientation
Fourth: son evaluated in a classroom with other kids and psychologist watching and doing evaluations
Fifth: finally being seen by a psychiatrist this coming Monday to hear the results
might be more steps even than this if results are vague or non-conclusive so far.
I've been on this band wagon as well but with the help of my son's consellour and his GP I was given a referal to a really good peditrician that took over a year to diagnose and then six months more to get the best medication, ect for my boy.
I live in a small town of 4500 and we have to travel every three months to doctor and hospital. If all else fails ask your GP for a referal to the closest childrens hospital outpatiant clinic. I dont know if this is any help but I know how you feel