For a parent, the first and most important rule of getting a diagnosis right is to do your homework! Think of it as putting together a scrapbook of your child for your doctor. You'll want to have an organized method to keep information so you don't leave any stone unturned. You'll have your calendar and information from significant others.

Checklist of Changes

You might also want to make a checklist of any other changes that, for some reason, didn't make it on your calendar. While this may seem like overkill, you'll be glad to have too much information rather than not enough. Make note of changes in:

Mood

Behavior

Negative comments

School performance

Health

Eating

Sleeping

Socialization

Family

Traumatic events

A physician appreciates this information. Remember, he doesn't see your child nearly as often as you do, so you want to make him feel as if he has been living with your family and watching your child just like you have.

Tracking Adolescent Changes

For teenagers, you may want to track changes that would detect self-destructive behaviors. For example, if you are concerned that your teen may be using drugs or alcohol, you may want to keep a specific symptoms list like the one below. Make sure that the symptoms are present to a significant degree before you begin to worry.

Eyes (swollen, bloodshot, frequent use of eye drops)

Slurred speech

Secretive attitude (not due to normal adolescent needs for privacy)

Cravings for sweets accompanied by abnormal eating habits and weight loss

Drug paraphernalia (cigarette papers, pipes, bags of sub-stances) despite his excuse that he's “just keeping it for a friend”

Money constantly missing from your purse or valuables missing from home

Staying home sick from school but feeling fine by later in the day (hangover?)

Sudden memory and concentration difficulties

Neglect of appearance and/or poor hygiene

Unfamiliar items in the trash (cans used for huffing, hidden bottles)

Prescription drugs and/or alcohol missing from your supply