You call this an evaluation...??

[rick2112]

First, I guess a little back-story. My ex-wife and I divorced a couple of years ago. We have a wonderful 9 (almost 10) year old daughter. Since about age 5, she has been inattentive in class and has a hard time focusing on tasks. She is a talented artist and musician, she loves to read. She has no hyper active symptoms, but because of the focus issues, her teacher recommended an evaluation for ADHD. Her mother and I both filled out a brief behavior observation sheet on our daughter, which basically mirrored the teachers own, and gave all three to her pediatrician. He asked our daughter a few questions about how she liked school and her after school program and looked at our observation sheets and diagnosed her on the spot with ADHD and started handing us medication pamphlets. Her mother and I only want to consider pills as a last resort.

When my daughter (B) was about 5, my marriage to her mother began to fall apart. It is around this time that the problems started. Recently her mother and I both moved in with new partners, and B is in a new, tougher, city school. She has never talked to a professional who can help her deal with these issues before. It’s my opinion that the problems at home and school have been what’s causing her loss of focus and inattention rather than a chemical imbalance. I’m concerned about her evaluation, because the doctor blew past these issues without giving them much consideration. Should an evaluation be like this? I thought there would be some kind of testing, or something. He didn’t even recommend a psychologist. Do you have any advice? Should I consider a specialist for a second opinion, or can I expect the same again?

Thank you all very much…

Rick

[mskris]

Rick

If you're uncomfortable with what that doc did, I'd definitely look for another opinion. I'd also look for a peds neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or a psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD. Not all pediatricians are qualified to diagnose ADHD and, given the other issues in B's life, I'd want a specialist to evaluate her.

However, there aren't any blood tests or physical tests that diagnose ADHD. It's more a matter of ruling out other things. In B's case, the "other things" may very well be what is causing, or at least contributing to the problem. You may also want to look into family therapy or counseling for her.

Good luck and let us know how things are going.
Kris

[jburke0822]

I agreee, what we did in my daughter who is 9 (T) is to have her evaluted at school, and after talking to a school pyschologist and the school guidance counselor I waited almost a yr before I put her on meds. I would get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion if you do not want meds, good luck and welcome.

[kstquilter]

welcome rick,
i would definitely get at least a 2nd opinion. the others are right that there is no blood test or anything else. just process of elimination.
i'd also be careful about the school doing any testing.i had a cousin tell me that if the school does the testing, then they get to make the decision on what classes your child would be in, like special ed. if a dr. does the testing then you make decisions. not sure if it's a state thing or not.
is some sort of counseling a possibility? they might be able to gain valuable information on how much of the problem is possible adhd or home environment.
good luck
karen

[finnmom]

:)Rick and welcome!!

I echo the other´s, by saying that you should deffenately get an other opinion. Weather to ask school to do it or get an other doc(neuropsychologist f.ex.) I cant help you with that. Our system is way different, in here it´s always the neuropsych.+psycological test´s included before dx.

Go on demeanding 2nd opinion

[SKay]

Welcome, Rick.

As the others have said, there is no medical test to diagnose ADD.

I would get another opinion also, especially if you feel the ped. wasn't listening to your concerns. Make sure the other professional has had training in dealing with ADD and other problems so your daughter can be properly diagnosed. Good luck.

[on_edge]

Hi,
You should get a second only to rule out other possible issues. At age 5, though, is a time when parents do start noticing the innattention. Also, a diagnosis does not mean you have to use medication. There are other tools to try too. I would start educating yourself in these tools because whether or not your daughter has ADHD they may be helpful.