CCN...I, too, wish there existed a specific test...especially being a clinician treating kids. The brain imaging evidence of ADHD is inconclusive, sometimes even demonstrating opposite findings. I was reading information from a psychiatrist (sorry forget name) who was discussing the proposed changes in the DSM5 that is due 2013. He specifically noted the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD and proposed that the diagnosis umbrellas a number of syndromes which could account for the brain image variability....yes, it is often a guess.
One thing I wanted to mention on this thread is the importance of medical rule-outs when ADHD/other behavioral issues are suspected. Simple tests of
lead levels, thyroid function, certain vitamin deficiancies, celiac or even PKU along with more complex genetic testing if warranted (fragile X,Klinefelter's ) are really minimally invasive. I can't tell you how many times I have to send a child back to their PCPs for a proper work-up.
Last edited by Evemomma; 07/17/12 07:24 PM.
