ADHD, short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is becoming more common nationwide. According to Brookings, around 6.8% of kids aged 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD. Many parents wonder if specific behavioral issues also stem from a child having this disorder. Here’s how children may be diagnosed with ADHD.
Pediatrician
The first step is often to head to the pediatrician. A pediatrics doctor will speak with you and your child regarding your concerns. They’ll ask several questions, such as what symptoms you may have seen. A doctor will also want to know if the behavior happens mainly at home or school. Often, ADHD occurs in every setting, not just at home, school, or sports.
Blood Tests
It’s common for a pediatrician to order bloodwork when you bring your child in for an appointment. This is because certain vitamin deficiencies can cause hyperactivity or impact attention span. Pediatrics must rule out other possible causes of the behavior instead of giving a quick diagnosis. This is to ensure that your little one receives an accurate diagnosis.
Discussion
Your pediatrician will also talk with you to determine if anything else may be causing this behavior. For example, children don’t react to feeling anxious like many adults do. Most young children act hyper when they feel nervous or worried about something, which can be mistaken for hyperactivity. Your doctor will want to know if any sudden changes at home or school may make your little one nervous.
Questionnaires
To better understand whether your child meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a pediatrician may ask you to fill out a questionnaire. This helps them better understand your child’s behavior and how it impacts their life. It’s common for pediatrics to request that teachers and other caregivers complete a questionnaire. This gives the doctor a better idea of how the child behaves in different settings when the primary caregiver is not present.
Evaluation
Your doctor will then evaluate all of the information. They’ll take things like possibly co-existing conditions such as depression and anxiety into consideration. Your doctor may try treatment for vitamin deficiencies before diagnosing your little one with ADHD. Finally, a pediatrician will determine if your little one meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
After a diagnosis, treatment will begin. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help your little one focus during school. Other treatment options, such as therapy, are also possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your child.
Posted September 11th, 2023
