A concerned parent wrote to the the Philadelphia Enquirer's "Ask Dan" column for advice about her son, who has been anxious and easily distracted since he was five years old. Things got worse when he entered middle school, so his parents took him to a pediatric neurologist who offered a diagnosis of ADD after 45 minutes.

Psychologist Dan Gottlieb, who writes the "Ask Dan" column, responded with information that included a rebuke of rapid ADD diagnoses:

Nobody can diagnose ADD or any other learning disability in 45 minutes. And before ADD is diagnosed, other things must be ruled out, such as anxiety, depression, and family conflict.

In addition, not every mental health professional is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ADD, so before you make an appointment, find out the caregiver's background. Once you find a competent professional, this evaluation should include family history, interviews with parents and school officials, and time spent with the child. Labeling any child after 45 minutes is ridiculous.

Dan also encouraged the parent to have her son evaluated by a psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities. Only a thorough assessment by a trained, experience professional will ensure that a child gets the type of help he needs.

Labels: diagnosis

Posted By: Aspen/CRC