Son suspected of having ADHD... | ADHD Information

I don't know what to make of the fact that I've been asked to explore the
possibility that my son, 12, has ADHD. I understand that I work and am not
always there to observe his behavior but I think his lack of attention, etc. is
just an aspect of his personality, or a phase he's in. He is defiant, but, then
again, so was I. I've been told that all fingers point to him having the
disorder, that I need to see a neuropsych so he can be evalutated. But in
what sense of the term? It's all the same: a series of questions regarding
symptoms, 'tests,' whatever. In the end my son will end up medicated, on
grounds I'm not sure apply to him. I must seem like a pessimist, but I'm
baffled at the tendancy of some to to label and diagnose our children with
such haste.

You need to find a Board Certified ZChild Psychiatrist. Who suspects ADHD in your child>?

The process of diagnosis involes Medical tests. bloodwork, EKG's , EEGS, etc. Observation for several visits, possibly questionaires for you and teachers. If anyone hands you a checklist and diagnoses based on that RUN to someone else.

I remember doing rounds in medical school and one of the topics that was
brought up was regarding which diseases, disorders, etc. can be detected in
the blood. ADHD one not one of the listed disorders, which is a reason I feel
inclined to have suspicion regarding what blood tests on my son would
achieve.

Blood work is to rule out some disorders that can mimic ADHD, not to diagnose ADHD.

Many children are not diagnosed until they are older. The decision to diagnose/medicate your child is YOURS. The schools, physicans whoever "they" is can make any recommendations they want, but it is your child and your decsion to make. You decide what option you feel is best for your child and your family. No one will force you to medicate, and it is a very, very difficult decision to make. My suggestion would be to agree with the other posts, that you need a neuropsych evaluation and see if there is even a definitive diagnosis before you start making any decisions. I have found it very helpful to get as much advice and as many opionions as possible, tehn sort all that infomration myself and make my choices from there. Good luck, you're doing the right thing reaching out. Dont make any decsions until you are ready.