| There are several ways to getting diagnosed with | | | | get a clear picture of the issues the individual faces, |
| ADHD; with some more effective and accurate than | | | | and try to determine how long they have been |
| others. The most effective way to get tested is by a | | | | experiencing problems. The process may be long or |
| psychologist or psychiatrist trained in ADD and learning | | | | short, simple or complicated - depending on the person |
| disabilities. As ADD often is accompanied by learning | | | | they are testing. This method also provides educated |
| disabilities, testing for these is also recommended, to | | | | answers, and the individual being interviewed/evaluated |
| verify that ADD symptoms are not really a learning | | | | can be confident in the diagnosis reached. |
| disability in disguise. | | | | Other ways of diagnosing individuals with ADD that |
| The formal testing done by a licensed mental health | | | | are not nearly as effective and can lead to |
| professional are long and costly, but are worth the | | | | misdiagnosis. Some school professionals, for example, |
| time, effort and money invested in them. If the individual | | | | guidance counselors, have been known to diagnose |
| tested is indeed diagnosed with ADD, it enables them | | | | children with ADD in the past, although it is highly |
| to move on to the next step in their recovery. If they | | | | doubtful that they have the necessary education or |
| are told they do not have ADD, they know they can | | | | tools. Diagnosing someone with ADD changes their life, |
| trust the professional giving them the diagnosis and | | | | and therefore such a diagnosis should be given with |
| feel relief that they do not have to struggle with the | | | | care. Additionally, some people may think they have |
| disorder. This may mean they have some other | | | | ADD and get a referral to a psychiatrist, who might |
| learning disability or psychological issue, and will be | | | | then ask you a few simple questions and then |
| given the right direction to follow from an expert. | | | | prescribe stimulants. |
| Another way for people to be diagnosed is again by a | | | | This method of diagnosis is quite disturbing; a short |
| psychologist or psychiatrist, but with a long history the | | | | questionnaire cannot help determine whether someone |
| individual taken and reviewed. Report cards and other | | | | has ADD. Such an approach calls into question the |
| formal documents are examined, and family members | | | | professionalism of the psychiatrist, and does nothing |
| are interviewed. The licensed professional attempts to | | | | for the individual in question. |