I understand your frustration. Even if the doctor is extremely good at recognizing and diagnosing ADHD, he owes it to you and your son to explain the symptoms your son has that led him to that conclusion and ask you for specific examples to document each symptom that you or your son may have responded to with a yes. You are welcome to get a second opinion from your pediatrician as long as he is comfortable making an ADHD diagnosis. When children are younger, teachers are usually required to fill out forms to help the doctor determine if your son meets the criteria. However, once a student reaches middle and high school, there are so many teachers who have a greater number of students, that they are not in a position to notice what an elementary school teacher would see on a frequent basis.

You may also want to go to your library or book store and get some books on ADHD and educate yourself on the disorder. This may help to give you a better idea if your son fits the criteria. If you return to this psychiatrist, I would ask him to explain and justify his diagnosis to you. He may be correct but he needs to document it well and explain it to you.

I hope this was of some help to you. If your son does indeed have ADHD, treatment will help him tremendously. My 16 year old son (diagnosed at 10) and my adult daughter (now 26, but not diagnosed until age 20, shortly after my son) both have ADHD, the inattentive type (without the hyperactivity). My husband has ADHD, with hyperactivity.

Good luck, Elaine

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