If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she will likely be under the care of a team of health professionals. These professionals should have extensive experience treating ADHD, and should communicate with each other (and with you) on a regular basis about your child’s care.
The diagnosis of ADHD will probably be made by a pediatric psychologist or doctor—a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist (a specialist in diseases of the nervous system). Other members of the team might include nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and other therapists (counselors, family therapists, etc.)
If your child needs medicine, the prescription will be written by the doctor or nurse practitioner. The diagnostic process also should rule out any other disorders that might look like ADHD.
For a diagnosis of ADHD in adults, the clinician will need a history of the adult’s behavior as a child. The clinician might also interview the patient’s spouse/partner, parents, and friends, and look at the person’s past records, including report cards, transcripts, etc., to determine if this behavior has been going on for a long time. The clinician might also use psychological tests to determine if the person has any learning weaknesses that might be causing the disorder.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/1/2007…#11765
