ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a physician determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They could conduct a physical exam and review school and medical records to find out if the symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
They can utilize scales to assess 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 your child is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a health care professional with expertise in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a great choice, or a psychologist who is specialized in working with children and teens. The school where your child attends may have a psychologist on staff or you could ask other parents for references.
The first step in assessing the child's likelihood of having ADHD is to get a complete medical history, review the old records and school performance reports, and do an examination. The physical exam checks for certain health conditions which may resemble ADHD symptoms, including hearing and vision issues. It will also look for signs of thyroid issues, which can lead to uncontrollable or impulsive behavior.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will meet with the child and their parents. They will ask questions about how the child's behavior has affected their family life and relationships with family and friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also want find out if the child suffers from any food allergies, particularly those to which they are sensitive that could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will also need to speak to the child's teachers about their work and performance. This will provide the expert with a good overall picture of the child's daily struggles.
A diagnosis can be given if the child is in compliance with 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 which subtype a child has the specialist will compare their symptoms to those of children their age. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect ADHD, an evaluation by a specialist is the best way to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available however they shouldn't substitute for a professional evaluation. They offer general guidelines and are restricted by the fact that they can't take into account the specific circumstances of your child.
During the assessment, the specialist will ask you about your current issues and how they impact your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. According to current research it is not possible to be considered to have ADHD as an adult even if the symptoms did not manifest frequently in your the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). The specialist can request records from the school or talk to your parents, teachers or anyone else who was familiar with you as an infant.
They'll likely also ask to see any performance reviews you have from your job as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you may have taken. They might also ask you to bring old report cards if you can locate them, as they typically contain comments from teachers that might indicate whether you had trouble paying attention or were constantly moving. They might also ask you to bring along a friend or spouse who is familiar with you to talk to them about your behavior. This is not a way to check your honesty, but to obtain additional information from a third party.
The specialist will look for symptoms that are affecting your life. This could include losing your job because you're not attentive or getting into financial trouble because you're impulsive. It could also be a serious relationship problem caused by your inability to wait for your turn, or having trouble listening to others.
Other assessments include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (version 1.1) or its clone CAARS-L-O, which is scored by an observer. 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 symptoms.
It's essential to answer all of the questions in an ADHD assessment honestly, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. self assessment adhd test of the assessment and its accuracy will be determined by the amount of information you give. The doctor will determine whether your symptoms are caused by a health issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures. This will help them make the most appropriate recommendations for treatment. The specialist will also perform physical examinations, which may include the testing of blood to assess levels in the brain of specific chemicals that are not present in those suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect school performance and social interactions during the adolescent phase of life. These problems can have a negative impact on self-esteem of children and lead to depression or anxiety.
A qualified professional can help a child find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD by implementing behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who receive treatment are more successful in school and in other aspects of their lives.
The first step in evaluating the condition of a teenager for ADHD is to find the appropriate health care provider. Asking the child's doctor for suggestions, or searching for an expert with experience treating children with ADHD can help. A mental health specialist may be on staff at the child's school or a pediatrician may recommend one.
During the interview, an expert in health care will meet with the teen and ask about their home and school lives, in addition to other activities, such as sports and hobbies. A thorough evaluation will include information from other caregivers like parents or guardians, teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches and others who have direct contact with the teen. It's important to get reliable information from multiple sources as a sign of a disorder could appear differently in different environments.
If the teen meets the criteria for ADHD based on DSM-5, a health professional may start to look into 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 symptoms must be present in at least two different settings such as at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must be disruptive to daily functioning and can't be explained by another disorder.
In addition to a medical interview, a health professional can use neuropsychological testing to assess the teen for ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests evaluate the capacity of teenagers to follow directions and make precise judgements, as well as keep track of information. The tests also measure the teen's reaction speed and head movements during the test. According to research, objective measurements are more reliable in diagnosing ADHD than subjective informational ratings.