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Attention Deficit Diagnosis

Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a generic term for a host of disorders known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, or ADHD. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, between four and six percent of the U.S. population suffers from some form of the disorder, or about eight to nine million people. Though usually diagnosed during childhood, as many as two-thirds of those diagnosed as children with ADD will suffer with the disease through adulthood.

  1. Family History

    • One of the first ways that ADD is diagnosed is through thoroughly examining the family history of the patient. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADD has strong genetic links due to the biological factors of the neurotransmitters of the brain. This type of neurotransmitter activity can be passed down from parent to child.

    Medical Examination

    • Another common part of diagnosing an attention deficit disorder is a full medical exam. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of ADD can be similar to those of other more serious conditions such as mood disorders, hyperthyroidism, seizures, Tourette syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome. Ruling out these other medical problems can help ensure that an ADD diagnosis is accurate.

    Psychological Examination

    • Once all possible medical disorders have been ruled out, a psychological examination can help achieve a solid diagnosis of ADD. Psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists and family physicians are all capable of diagnosing attention deficit disorders, but only psychiatrists, physicians and neurologists can prescribe medications for the disorder.

    Observation

    • Another way in which ADD may be diangosed is through observation of the patient's behavior. For example, observing the attention span of a child as he reads a book or does his homework can help diagnose the inattention aspect of ADD. Watching the child's behaviors during school or times when she is to sit still can help diagnose the hyperactivity or impulsive behavior aspect of ADD.

    Testing

    • Though no specific test has been designed to accurately diagnose attention deficit disorders, a series of questions can help assist a professional in making a diagnosis. These questions help determine diagnosis by comparing the results to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

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