Attention Deficit Disorder
Many ask, “Is there a simple test for ADD or ADHD”. The answer is “No”; unfortunately, there is no simple test (like a blood test or a short written test) to determine whether someone has AD/HD. This is true of many medical conditions (for example, there is no "test" for a simple headache, yet anyone who has had a headache knows it's real!).
Accurate diagnosis is made only by a trained clinician after an extensive evaluation. This evaluation should include ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms involved, a thorough physical examination, and a series of interviews with the individual (child or adult) and other key persons in the individual's life (for example, parents, spouse, teachers, and others).
Effective diagnosis is crucial to determining a next-step, accurate treatment intervention for Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The exclusive use of psychostimulant medications without accompanying behavioral interventions is not considered “best practice” for individuals diagnosed with AD/HD. Of some concern is the trend that medication is the “be-all and end-all” treatment for this disorder, the FDA is considering the approval of a methylphenidate patch that will provide medication treatment for those not able to ingest medication tablets, see full article @ www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/01/health/main1093028.shtml
Additional intervention resources are also available by contacting the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder organization @ CHADD Local Chapter.
Accurate diagnosis is made only by a trained clinician after an extensive evaluation. This evaluation should include ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms involved, a thorough physical examination, and a series of interviews with the individual (child or adult) and other key persons in the individual's life (for example, parents, spouse, teachers, and others).
Effective diagnosis is crucial to determining a next-step, accurate treatment intervention for Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The exclusive use of psychostimulant medications without accompanying behavioral interventions is not considered “best practice” for individuals diagnosed with AD/HD. Of some concern is the trend that medication is the “be-all and end-all” treatment for this disorder, the FDA is considering the approval of a methylphenidate patch that will provide medication treatment for those not able to ingest medication tablets, see full article @ www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/01/health/main1093028.shtml
Additional intervention resources are also available by contacting the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder organization @ CHADD Local Chapter.
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