| A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from a | | | | recognized for many decades. It is mainly |
| mother who was concerned that her 5 year-old son | | | | characterized by three categories of symptoms: |
| might have ADHD. We set up an appointment for a | | | | inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, just |
| consultation. As a child psychiatrist I perform diagnostic | | | | because a child or a teenager exhibits those |
| evaluations to determine if a child or a teenager has | | | | symptoms it doesn't mean they have ADHD. Those |
| an identifiable diagnosis that warrants treatment. This | | | | symptoms have to be looked at in the context of |
| boy's preschool teacher as well as baby sitter were | | | | every aspect of their lives. |
| concerned that he was constantly fidgety. | | | | For example, a 5 year old child might exhibit inattention |
| The main complaint was that he had difficulties sitting | | | | and difficulty sitting still in situations that make him |
| still and would need frequent redirection. My concern is | | | | nervous and apprehensive. This is a common |
| that many kids like this 5 year old boy are being tried | | | | occurrence for children when they are starting school |
| on medications to see "if it helps." It is essential that a | | | | or are with a new child care provider. When young |
| full diagnostic evaluation is done before any kind of | | | | children are anxious and uncomfortable they can |
| treatment is even considered. Not all kids who are | | | | appear identical to kids with ADHD. In these situations it |
| fidgety actually have attention deficit hyperactivity | | | | would be a huge mistake to try and ADHD medication. |
| disorder (ADHD.) | | | | This is why it is essential that a thorough evaluation is |
| ADHD is a complex medical condition that has been | | | | done before the initiation of any treatment. |