Diagnosing ADD/ADHD
Diagnosing ADD/ADHD is not as simple and straightforward as you would think it should be. There are no “hard” biological markers detectable by conventional diagnostic tests (example – Xrays, blood tests, MRIs, etc.)
Diagnosis is usually made by observing a child and comparing his/her behavioural characteristics with those of other children. Parents, teachers and others who know the child well are asked to rate the child on various checklists and scales (examples – Conners, ACTeRs, Achenbach, Child Behaviour Checklist, etc.) and a qualified medical doctor or psychologist interprets the results and determines if the child meets the diagnostic criteria as outlined in DSM V. The symptoms must be observed in more than one setting to ensure that his/her behaviours are not caused by situational factors but indeed result from a brain based biochemical condition.
The child should also undergo a comprehensive medical examination to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions causing the behaviours of concern.
It is not uncommon for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD to be missed because of the “fuzzy” criteria and the subjectivity of the reporters. There is considerable controversy among the “experts” about the diagnosing, causes and treatments of ADHD.