I am 'new' to the field of ADHD/ADD, but I find the diagnosis process a real problem.

The process normally starts with parents or teachers. They see something(s) about the behavior of a child they have difficulty with and they start the process.

If identified by the teacher, they contact the parent.

Whether it starts with the teacher or the parent, the next step is usually to contact the family doctor. Family doctors cannot diagnose ADHD/ADD because it is a diagnosis from the DSM-IV (the diagnosis manual of psychologists and psychiatrists).

So, the next step is to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They don't diagnose ADHD/ADD directly. They don't sit and observe the child or talk with the child. They ask the parents to fill out a survey. It is rare for this practitioner to actually test the child.

If they diagnose ADHD/ADD, the next step is to go back to the family doctor to get the perscription. And then the child starts taking the meds and there is a trial-&-error process to find the right amount

Of course, there are variations in this process. For instance, the psychiatrist could write the perscriptions. Or, the psychologist/psychiatrist could start the child on some non-drug treatment and not send the child back to the family doctor.

A couple of points here: Probably, none of these practitioners will have given the child a physical. Probably, none of these practitioners will have referred the child for allergy testing. Probably, none of these practitioners will have referred the child for a hearing test. I mention these because many of the behaviors in the ADHD/ADD package can come from problems found in these alternative directions.

Of course, adult diagnosis has a similar process and the same pitfalls.

I don't have any suggestions to fix the process. I lament that families which are already under pressure and stress have to go through such torture. I also lament that many with the ADHD/ADD diagnosis are not tested effectively for allergies or hearing problems.

My 11 yr old DD is ADHD, her testing was very thru and done by a team of psychiatrists, it took place over several 3 to 5 hours sessions where she took part in games, discussions and talking with me and going over the questionaires I filled out along with her teachers. The interacted with her, observed her in different settings (general play, reading, doing computer games, they did one on one with her, then observed her while talking with me) The reason she had this through of testing done was it was a Local universaty that was conducting ADHD studies in kids and they wanted to rule out any other disorders that could interfer with their study. She had physcials, Hearing/vision tests. I trust the diagnosis she received and she has since taken part in several more studies since she is a rarity for them, being a Girl and Having severe ADHD with no other disorders.

Rodger-

Our 10-year-old son is still in the process of being tested for a learning disability, but we suspect he has ADD.

We started with our family doctor because he needed a physical for school. Next, our doctor sent us to a Pediatric Therapy Clinic where they tested his Physical and Motor skills. They couldn't help us, so they sent us to a local university where he is seeing a psychologist. We also contacted the school to have him tested as well, and am glad that we did because the university tests for things that the school district doesn't.

I filled out all the surveys and questionnaires, but starting next week, he will be tested and observed both at his school and the university.

I'm glad that forums like this are available, because it's so frustrating for parents of children with learning disabilities. I wouldn't have a clue what to do if people didn't post and make suggestions or let me know what they have tried. Since you listed allergies in your post, I know that there may be other things that aren't being considered for my son.

Thanks-
Mary

Welcome to the ADD Forums, Mary. :)

It is the nature of the beast perhaps.

I personally self diagnosed myself. I also have alergies, slight LD, slight dsylexia, above average hearing.

Everyone I know in the diagnostic process acknowledges that at this time, the diagnosis is a negative diagnosis by nature: not TBI, not Bi-Polar, Not allergies, not not not.

Luckily my runny nose, ichy eyes and ADHD symptomes DON'T always come and go together. But they have always asked for any other observable corelations.

I also must say that, with out training other than self study and being ADHD myself, i have recognized a number of other people who have been formally diagnosed and who most people familiar with the group of people circumscribed the the symptom set of ADHD would relatively readily recognize.

There is a certain "je ne sais quois" that seems to "be" ADHD.

I think we all look forward to the understanding that provides both more direct testing and better treatments, cure, or accomodation.

Welcome!