Pat
Thank you for your post and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.
I am sorry for the difficulties you are experiencing right now and do hope things get better for you.
Diagnosing ADHD does not normally include any type of brain scans, as these have not been proven as conclusive at this time. Most physicians will diagnose ADHD in children based on questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers as well as through interviews with parents and the child. If you have been the primary caregiver, it would have made sense to have you complete a questionnaire and have input into the interview process, however, the doctor may have felt he or she had enough information based on what was gathered from the dad and your grandson.
Depression is often a co-existing condition with ADHD, so it is possible your grandson could have ADHD and depression. A complete evaluation would be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
As far as what to discuss with the dad, I would talk about the importance of an accurate diagnosis and your willingness to be included in the diagnostic process as well as in any treatment plan.
Some additional information that may be helpful:
Behavior Modification
Creating a Treatment Plan
Rating Scales to Diagnose ADHD
Evaluating Children for ADHD: What to Expect
How Do You Know if a Treatment is Working?
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
I hope this information helps.
Eileen
Pat
Thank you for your post and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.
I am sorry for the difficulties you are experiencing right now and do hope things get better for you.
Diagnosing ADHD does not normally include any type of brain scans, as these have not been proven as conclusive at this time. Most physicians will diagnose ADHD in children based on questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers as well as through interviews with parents and the child. If you have been the primary caregiver, it would have made sense to have you complete a questionnaire and have input into the interview process, however, the doctor may have felt he or she had enough information based on what was gathered from the dad and your grandson.
Depression is often a co-existing condition with ADHD, so it is possible your grandson could have ADHD and depression. A complete evaluation would be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
As far as what to discuss with the dad, I would talk about the importance of an accurate diagnosis and your willingness to be included in the diagnostic process as well as in any treatment plan.
Some additional information that may be helpful:
Behavior Modification
Creating a Treatment Plan
Rating Scales to Diagnose ADHD
Evaluating Children for ADHD: What to Expect
How Do You Know if a Treatment is Working?
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
I hope this information helps.
Eileen