The rising rate of ADHD has many parents wondering if the diagnosis is too subjective.
Kris Willing, dad, says that he believes there would be a chemical imbalance.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a clinical diagnosis that is based on a combination of symptoms and not a single test. This allows for interpretation. You can ask your doctor to check if ADHD is present in your child.
Many people believe they can spot a child and tell if it is hyperactive or not. It means that the child is active, engages in gross motor behavior, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it has a disorder,” Dr. Elena Reyes, a clinical psychologist at Lee Memorial Health System, says.
An important point to remember when diagnosing ADHD is that symptoms have to be present in multiple settings. This is why evaluations include observations from teachers, caregivers, and parents.
“When we do ADHD evaluations, we try to be thorough. What you are doing is not just watching the child but also getting information about the parents and teachers. Reyes says that one of the most important things we know is that the demand characteristics at the classroom are different from those at the dinner table or on TV.
A psychologist, pediatrician, or neurologist will assess a child’s behavior in relation to their peers. You should be aware of the following symptoms: inability to complete tasks, constant motion, fidgeting and distractedness. Assessments should be delayed until seven years of age. Remember that ADHD is not a panacea for all problems.
Willing says that it may be due to today’s technology, with children being in front iPads and iPhones, tablets whatever.
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Lee Memorial Health System, Fort Myers, FL, is the largest network in Southwest Florida of medical care facilities. It is well-respected for its innovation, quality and expertise. We have been serving our community for nearly 100 years, providing everything from primary care to highly specialized services and robotic-assisted surgeries.
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