ADHD Screening and Evaluation
A screening test can aid a doctor in determining if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They could conduct an exam of the body and look over school and medical documents to determine if the symptoms started in childhood.
They can use rating scales to determine the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient as well as those who are close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in Children
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it is important to consult a health professional with experience in diagnosing the disorder. A pediatrician is an excellent choice or a psychologist that specializes in children and adolescents. You can request references from other parents or staff at the school where your child is.
To determine whether a child is suffering from ADHD the first step is to collect a complete medical record, review old school records, then conduct an exam. The physical exam will check for certain health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hearing and vision problems. Also, it will look for symptoms of thyroid disease which can trigger inattention and/or impulsive behaviors.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker will meet with both the child and his parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it has affected his or her home life, relationships with friends and family. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also want to be aware of if the child has any food allergies, particularly those to which they are sensitive, that might make it hard for them to concentrate. The doctor will also want to speak with the child's teachers about their work and performance. This will give the doctor a a good overall picture of the child's daily struggles.
A diagnosis can be made if the child meets the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. In addition, the doctor will often assess whether the child has the combined type of ADHD or just inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive. To determine the type of ADHD a child has, the expert will compare their symptoms to those of children of similar age. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned about it, a professional assessment is the best method to diagnose and treat you. Online tools that claim to measure ADHD symptoms are available, but they should never substitute for a professional assessment. They offer general guidelines and are restricted by the fact that they aren't able to take into consideration your unique situation.
During an assessment, the specialist will ask you about your current issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. It is believed that you aren't diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood when your symptoms weren't evident regularly during childhood (technically before age 12). The specialist can request records from your school or speak to teachers, parents or anyone else who knew you as an infant.
They'll also likely ask to see any performance evaluations you may have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you might have taken. They might also ask you to bring back old report cards if you can find them, as these typically contain comments from teachers that might indicate whether you struggled to pay attention or were always in a hurry. You might be requested to bring a friend or a colleague who is familiar with you to interview them about your behavior. This is not to check your honesty, but to get additional information from a third party.
The most important thing the specialist will be looking for is whether you suffer from symptoms that are affecting your life. This could mean losing your job if are easily distracted or falling into financial problems if you don't focus. It could be a significant issue in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or wait your turn.
Other tests may include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its observer-rated counterpart CAARS-L: O. The former assesses 18 symptoms of ADHD that reflect the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV-TR and is divided into two main symptom domains, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The second version contains the same items, but asks an observer to rate the symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed it is essential to answer all questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. How much information you give will affect the accuracy and validity of your evaluation. The specialist will need to determine if your symptoms may be caused by a health issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will allow them to make the best recommendation for treatment. The specialist will also perform physical examinations, which may include an examination of blood to determine levels in the brain of certain chemicals that are in low levels in those suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
In the adolescent stage of life, the signs of ADHD can interfere with school performance and social interaction. These issues can affect children's confidence and may cause anxiety and depression.
A trained professional can assist a child find ways to overcome the challenges of ADHD through the use of behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who receive treatment are more successful in school, as well as other areas of their lives.
Finding the right health professional is the first step to assessing ADHD in teenagers. This can be accomplished by contacting the child's doctor for recommendations or looking for a specialist who has experience treating children with ADHD. A mental health specialist could be available at the child's school or a pediatrician may suggest one.
In getting an assessment for adhd will inquire with the teen about his or her school and family life and other activities like hobbies and sports. A thorough assessment includes information from other caregivers like parents guardians, teachers, coaches, religious leaders and others who are directly in contact with the teenager. It is crucial to collect accurate information from various sources, as a symptom can appear differently in different settings.
If the teenager meets the criteria for ADHD according to DSM-5, the health professional may start to think about a diagnosis. This includes a symptom of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that starts at least 6 months before the evaluation and is inappropriate for the child's developmental level. The child must show symptoms in two or more environments, like at home, in school or on the job. The symptoms must impact the daily activities of the person and cannot be explained by any other disorder.
The health care provider may also conduct neuropsychological tests to test the teen's ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of a teenager to follow directions as well as make accurate judgements and keep track of the details. The tests also test the speed at which a teenager reacts and head movements during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective ratings from informants.