Steps to Take if Your Child Might Have ADHD
By: Dr. Liqun Hu
Appeared in That’s/Urbanatomy March 2009
These days, more children get a diagnosis of ADHD and take stimulant than ever before. Parents often bring their children to doctors’ office, saying: “The teacher says my child is ADHD and needs to be on medication.” At the same time, it is estimated that at least about two out of three people who have ADHD will never receive a the diagnosis or ADHD and treatment. They will never really know what bothers them through their life. So we have two problems. One is the over-diagnosis of ADHD, and the other is the under-diagnosis of ADHD. Either could result in serious damage to the child. The fact that there currently is no objective diagnostic tool for ADHD is one of contributing factors in over- and under-diagnosis of ADHD.
ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a brain disorder characterized by inattention and impulsive behavior. It is a true medical disorder that has serious long-term consequences for children if they are not treated.
Some medical conditions, mental health issues, and emotional issues could be causing ADHD-like symptoms. These conditions and issues range from food allergies, thyroid problems, head injuries, hearing problem, seizures, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, chronic fear, to home problem, school problem, child abuse, learning disability, and high intelligence. These sources must be considered and ruled out before making a diagnosis of ADHD.
If you or others suspect that your child might have ADHD, please find a psychiatrist or psychiatrist who is well versed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD assessment. A comprehensive assessment includes the following: parent interview, child interview, input from teachers, rating scales for parent(s) and teacher(s), physical exam, and other testing if there are still questions to be answered.
Once all differential diagnoses are ruled out and a diagnosis of ADHD is made, evidence-based treatment for ADHD should be provided to the child by the qualified professionals. The researches and clinical experiences indicate that the combination of stimulant medications, behavioral modification and counseling is the most effective treatment for ADHD.
Medication is only one piece of the picture. It works for a lot of kids, but it doesn’t work for everybody, and, it is not a magic bullet.
Behavioral modification is to help the child with ADHD learn how to cop with ADHD symptoms and establish behavioral pattern that is effective.
ADHD could have serious negative effect on a child’s self-esteem, social relationship, and academic learning. Counseling could help the child’s healthy psychological development.
Teachers, parents, psychologists, and psychiatrists and others involved in the child’s life, all are parts of the team that helps the child with ADHD. Communication, collaboration, coordination, and support among them are critical in the improvement of the child.
Dr. Linda Hu is a U.S. trained and licensed clinical psychologist with 14 years of clinical experiences. She provides services with international standard. Her services include consultation, assessment, and treatment to adults and children as individuals, families, or couples. Dr. Hu currently is a staff psychologist at St. Michael’s hospital in Gu Bei, Shanghai (021-5155-1858; 136-4175-2844; Email address: Linda.hu@stmichael_hospital.com psychologistdr.hu@gmail.com)