If you’re concerned that your child might be living with ADHD, your pediatrician in Tucson, AZ can help. Dr. Joy Peskin at Desert Willow Pediatrics can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to help give your child a brighter future.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in a Child?

A diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation at which point several things will go on, one of which is a thorough question and answer session. Dr. Peskin will take some time to understand your child’s symptoms, your concerns, and any events that are going on that might affect your child. This could include anything from a death in the family to a situation at school.

Sometimes, children show signs of ADHD that may simply be a reaction to an event or not knowing how to handle their emotions. Such things need to be ruled out before settling on an ADHD diagnosis.

Your pediatrician in Tucson, AZ will also want to know about how they perform in school and how they behave at home. She might also ask about their behavior elsewhere, such as when they’re at a friend’s home, at the ballpark, or even at the grocery store.

Another part of the evaluation is a thorough understanding of your child’s medical history and any current health issues. This includes everything from their height and weight to allergies and sleep patterns. Information such as this can either point to or away from ADHD and must be taken into account.

Once Dr. Peskin has gathered all of the necessary information, she’ll make sure that the symptoms meet the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for ADHD. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children under 16 have to meet six or more of the official criteria of inattention and six or more criteria of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children 17 and older must meet five or more criteria in both categories.

How Is ADHD Treated?

If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, a combination of treatments is usually recommended. The first is medication to help with the symptoms. Another type of treatment is behavioral therapy which helps children learn more positive behaviors and how to avoid negative ones.

Behavioral therapy is also helpful for parents, as they receive guidance on how to help children at home and any recommendations for school, as well. When necessary, other individuals in the child’s life will receive recommendations, too, so that everyone can work together for the best outcome.

When you see your child suffering, all you want to do is help. Take the first step by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Peskin at Desert Willow Pediatrics, your pediatrician in Tucson, AZ, by calling (520) 751-4124 today.