By Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC
|
|
 |
| Dr. Pat |
Question:
My ten-year-old son was diagnosed by his teacher as having attention deficit disorder. What is that?
Dr. Pat responds:
Teachers are not qualified to diagnose attention deficit disorder. A health professional such as a paediatrician, psychologist,
or psychiatrist should diagnose.
Obviously, your child’s teacher is frustrated with him. Pay attention to this concern. You can ask for a meeting to find out
more.
Talk to your family doctor about the problems your son is having. He or she may have some specific suggestions or may refer
your child. You can also contact your local hospital for referrals.
You could see a private psychologist (look in the phone book) but you will have to pay for this service.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD as it is often called, is diagnosed because of:
ADHD is common, occurring in about 10% of school-age boys but fewer girls. ADHD is diagnosed by reports of behaviour in different
settings. There is no blood test or X-ray for ADHD.
For more information, please see the ADHD Resource Centre.
| Published | Reviewed by |
| October 24, 2008 |
Ross Hetherington, PhD, CPsych
|
| Sources |
| |
