ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a physician determine if the symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. They may do an exam of the body and look over school and medical records to find out whether the symptoms began in the early years of childhood.
They may employ scales to evaluate the severity of symptoms. They can also conduct interviews with the person and those close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in Children
If you think your child may have ADHD, it's important to locate a health care expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A psychologist that specializes in children and adolescents or an pediatrician is a good option. You can ask for references from other parents or the staff at the school where your child is.
The first step to evaluate the child's likelihood of having ADHD is to collect a complete medical history, examine old records and school reports on performance, and then perform physical examination. The physical exam will search for health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms. These may include vision or hearing problems. It will also check for signs of thyroid disease, which can trigger inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will interview both the child and his parents. They will inquire about how the child's behavior has affected their lives at home and relationships with family members and friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They should also know if the child has any allergies, especially foods, that might make it difficult for them to concentrate. The doctor will also want to talk to the teacher about the child's schoolwork and performance. This will give a professional a good idea of the child's struggles every day.
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. Experts will compare the symptoms of a child to those of children who are similar to their age to determine what type they are suffering from. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the same symptoms, for example, anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned about it, a professional assessment is the best method to diagnose and treat you. There are a number of online tools that claim to assess ADHD symptoms however, they should not be used in place of an assessment by a professional. They can only give general advice and do not be able to take into consideration the specific circumstances of each person.
During an evaluation, the doctor will inquire about your current problems and how they impact your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. It's believed that you cannot be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood even if your symptoms did not manifest regularly during childhood (technically before age 12). The specialist will ask for records from your school or talk to your teachers, parents or anyone else who was familiar with you as a kid.
They'll also likely ask to see any performance evaluations you might have from work and copies of previous psychological tests you might have taken. They might request that you bring old report cards if you can locate them, as they typically include comments from teachers which could reveal that you had trouble paying attention or were always moving. They might also ask you to bring with you a significant other who is familiar with your life to talk to them about your conduct. This is not an attempt to check your honesty, but to get additional information from a third party.
The most important thing an professional will be looking for is whether you suffer from symptoms that are affecting your life. This could include losing your job if are impulsive, or causing financial trouble if you are unable to focus. This could cause a major issue in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or wait your turn.
Other tests could include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its observer-rated equivalent 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 includes the same items, but requires an observer to rate symptoms.
Even if you're uncomfortable or embarrassed, it's important to answer all the questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The validity of the test and its accuracy will be influenced by the amount of information you give. The specialist will need to determine if your symptoms are due to another health issue such as thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them formulate the most appropriate recommendation for treatment. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination that could include an examination of the blood to determine the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that could be deficient in those with ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect the performance of students and social interactions during the adolescent phase of life. These problems can have a negative impact on a child's self-esteem, and can cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can help a child find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD by implementing a behavioral therapy and medication. A child suffering from ADHD who receives treatment is often more successful at school, as well as in other areas of their life.
The first step in assessing a teen for ADHD is to find the appropriate health care provider. This can be accomplished by asking the child's doctor for recommendations or looking for a specialist with had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. The school of the child may have an employee who can assess the child, or a mental health professional can be recommended by a pediatrician or a family doctor.
In a clinical interview the health professional will ask the teenager about their school and home life as well as other activities, such as hobbies and sports. A thorough assessment includes information from other caregivers, such as parents and guardians, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. It's important to gather accurate information from different sources, as a symptom can be different in different settings.
If the teen is in line with DSM-5 criteria for ADHD The health care provider can 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 symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, including at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must disrupt normal functioning and cannot be explained by any other disorder.
The health care professional may also conduct neuropsychological tests to determine the teenager's ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests test the ability of teenagers to follow directions and make correct judgements as well as keep track of details. assess adhd assess the teen's reaction speed and head movements during the test. Studies suggest that objective measurements improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective ratings from informants.