At one time, it was thought to be due to subtle, undetectable brain damage. More recent studies suggest that individuals with ADHD show differences in the areas of the brain responsible for controlling attention span, planning and motor activity. Theories that food allergies, excess sugar and other popular dietary scapegoats cause ADHD lack scientific validity, but more studies are needed. The bottom line, however, is that the cause of ADHD is still unknown. Because there is no single test for ADHD, a diagnosis must be made considering a number of factors.
Pediatricians often do the initial diagnostic assessment.
If a case of ADHD appears severe, the child will be referred to a specialist, such as a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. The pediatrician or specialist collects information about behavior, learning difficulties and other information from the child, parents and teachers and pulls it all together for a complete picture, which is then compared against a set of ADHD criteria. Experts must be sure to rule out other behavioral conditions, such as an anxiety disorder or even a sleep disorder. Intelligence and school achievement may also be tested to evaluate the possibility of learning disorders. There is no cure for ADHD, but medications can help control symptoms.