How to Diagnose ADHD & Treat it Safely and Effectively
If you’re wondering how to diagnose ADHD, you may have heard of those self-help tests on the internet. While it takes a professional to give you a conclusive diagnosis and to get prescription medications for treatment, knowing which symptoms point to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will help you determine for yourself if your child needs help.
An ADHD diagnosis is made in a number of ways. Some experts run a battery of tests, while others compare the frequency and duration of symptoms (as reported by the parents) to the symptoms listed in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual which is used by medical professionals to diagnose psychological disorders. `
Since parents do not have access to the tests professionals use, the best answer to the question how to diagnose ADHD is to look at the list of symptoms and see if you recognize the same behaviors in your child. Remember that you should be looking for behaviors that persist over time because this how professionals make a conclusive diagnosis. All of us at one time or another exhibit some of the behaviors listed below, so keep this in mind.
How to Diagnose ADHD: List of Symptoms
- Trouble attending to details
- Difficulty paying attention
- Easily distracted
- Impulsive (acts without thinking)
- Interrupts constantly
- Has trouble waiting for his turn
- Unable to take tasks to completion
- Difficulty following instructions
- Loses things, forgetful
- Fidgets, unable to sit still when appropriate
After looking through these symptoms if you think your child has ADHD, get him to a professional for a diagnosis. Be warned though that if an ADHD diagnosis is made, your child’s doctor will probably prescribe drugs for treatment. It’s important to know that whether the doctor prescribes a stimulant or non-stimulating drug, these drugs can have serious side effects, some of which can interrupt the normal growth and development of your child. In recent years, there have also been concerns about addiction (particularly for stimulants) and long term effects on the developing brain.
Instead of going the drug route, consider using a homeopathic remedy that has been formulated to treat the symptoms of ADHD. While drugs only suppress the symptoms, natural remedies actually get to the root cause of the disorder and give the brain the nutrition it needs to heal itself and restore proper function. If your child shows some of the symptoms above, you can give him a natural remedy without a prescription and see if the symptoms improve.
Look for a supplement that is FDA-approved and is made from clinically proven ingredients like Verta Alb, Arsen Iod and Hyoscyamus. These are natural herbs that calm the nervous system, allowing the child to focus, curb impulses, behave appropriately and stay on task. These remedies have no side effects and can be used safely with other drugs. Best of all, if given daily, they will help your child’s brain begin to heal. They are the safest and most effective solution to an ADHD diagnosis: a solution that gets to the source of the problem, rather than just suppressing symptoms.
So there you have it: insights into how to diagnose ADHD, along with a safe, natural and effective means of restoring proper brain function by simply giving the brain the nutrition it needs.
Laura Ramirez
Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies for ADHD and other health issues. Read more about her research by going to www.treating-adhd-naturally.com She is the author of the parenting book Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting which teaches parents how to raise children to develop their natural strengths, so they can lead fulfilling lives and make a real contribution to the world. Her book won a Nautilus Award for books that promote conscious living and social change. Ms. Ramirez is the publisher of Family Matters Parenting Magazine and a keynote speaker.
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