As far as I understand, ADHD and ADD are a product of the inability to process dopamine or a deficiency of dopamine. So why are there not tests or screenings that can show with evidence the deficiency and the presence of ADHD?
I’m looking at a possibility that my son(4) could have ADHD and the possibility that a doctor will recommend medication. I am not against medication but I fear putting him on medication that will alter his brain chemistry at such a young age especially if he does not actually have ADHD and the phase that he is going through will be one he will naturally grow out of as his brain develops.
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School Psychologist here – personally I’d wait until he’s grade school age and if he’s really struggling at school with concerns associates with ADHD (trouble completing work, behavioral problems, social concerns, etc) before going forward with medication. A lot of kids I work with only use medication on school days because they really don’t need to be attentive at home. Unless his behaviors are out of control I don’t see a strong benefit to medicating this young. 4 is also really young for a diagnosis of ADHD, so again, waiting a couple years might he best.
Has he had a neuropsychological evaluation? There are rating scales we use to see if a child has symptoms of ADHD, and there are also computer programs that test ability to sustain attention. We can evaluate what executive functioning skills they have difficulty with as well, which can help us and you to support your child.
If you’re in the US, if you refer your child to be evaluated for special education services when he is in grade school, the school psychologist with have to evaluate him and will test for ADHD, for free. Or you can pay to have a neuropsychologist evaluate him, which may be more extensive. Either way, I wouldn’t go off a PCP for this – get a specialist opinion if you haven’t.
If you do choose medication, whether now or when he’s older (which is when he’ll benefit most from it) keep in mind that you may have to try different doses or medications before you find one that works. Sometimes the medication doesn’t work well enough, and other times it can make kids lose their personality and become zombie-like, but taking them off of it will fix that should it happen.
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