Sometimes, children are given intelligence, attention, and achievement tests. Doctors may also administer neuropsychological tests and neurological examinations. A complete battery of tests is critical. Most importantly, it is a team of professionals in education, psychology, and medicine who pool test results and makes a final determination. Medicine cannot cure ADD, but can sometimes moderate its effects.
Medication can reduce disruptive behaviors, aggression, and hyperactivity.
However, there are side effects and no evidence for long-term effectiveness of medication. For example, recent studies show that medication has only limited short-term effects on social adjustment and academic achievement. While medication can be incorporated into other treatment strategies, parents and teachers should not use medication as the sole method of helping the child. These adolescents and adults frequently show poor academic performance, poor self-image, and problems with peer relationships. Teachers and parents have successfully used positive reinforcement procedures to increase desirable behaviors.