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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis & Tests

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Alternate Names : ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of ADHD begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider will look for behaviors that are typical of ADHD. In order to diagnose ADHD, the provider must determine that the behaviors have certain characteristics:

  • They are more frequent or severe than in other people of the same age group.
  • They create significant disability in at least two areas such as school, home, work, or social settings.
  • They started early in life, before the age of 7.
  • They have been constant for at least 6 months.
  • The healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other disorders. These tests may include:

  • allergy tests
  • blood and urine tests
  • cranial CT scan
  • cranial MRI

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    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Symptoms & Signs

     

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Prevention & Expectations

    Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 09/07/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009