Impulsive children have difficulty waiting for things. They may grab a toy from another child, or may hit another child when they are upset. Although children can show signs of ADHD at an early age, a diagnosis is usually not made until they start school. This is because the symptoms may be more apparent in the classroom. The diagnosis of ADHD can be made by using well-tested diagnostic interview methods.
Diagnosis is based on history and observable behaviors in the child's usual settings.
The diagnostic evaluation starts when the child's pediatrician takes a complete health history to rule out physical problems. The pediatrician will also ask about the child's behavior at home and in school. The most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication, behavior-changing therapy, and environmental modifications. ADHD is one of the best researched disorders in medicine. Despite progress in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD, the disorder and its treatment have remained controversial.