Does that mean that pediatricians over-prescribe Ritalin without a careful enough evaluation?
Not necessarily. ADHD is a disorder we’re just beginning to understand. It’s an expensive disorder because of the disruption and problems it causes. For simple cases, it may be overkill to go through full evaluations. Using the rating scales, teachers’ scales, and pediatrician-prescribed Ritalin is enough. However, simple cases are the minority. About 25 percent of my patients are straightforward ADHD. The vast majority are intermixed with other problems. The first step, then, is a full evaluation? Yes, if you suspect ADHD, you should contact a psychologist for a full evaluation. The tests help determine the diagnosis. After the testing, the psychologist can report the findings to a psychiatrist. The tests may show clear evidence of ADHD and may point to mood, anxiety, or family problems. I can help my patients with their problems more effectively when we’ve performed these diagnostic studies. How do you treat ADHD? The treatment typically involves combined approaches. We start with he
