Offord added that setting an arbitrary range was a way of setting limits to protect children from over diagnosis. It was a way . . . Determining when normal behavior turns to disorder depends on the degree of severity and significance of impairment, the experts say. Dr. Patrice Dunn, a child and family psychiatrist and a consultant to Vancouver public schools, said diagnosis is complicated. You have to look at why the child is presenting as they are.
Doctors look to see if there is a family history of the disorder, which is believed to be genetic.
Home and school environments are also important considerations. Other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression should first be ruled out as causes of symptoms, they say. The child should also be assessed for learning disabilities which can also cause him to show symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The child's emotional health is also considered. We look at the whole social, emotional area.