ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a physician determine whether symptoms match diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They could conduct an exam of the body and look over the medical and school documents to determine if the symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
They can use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They also may interview the patient and others close to them.
Assessment of ADHD in Children
If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, it's important to locate a health care specialist who is skilled in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a great choice or a psychologist that is skilled in treating children and teens. The school you attend may have someone on staff, or you can request references from other parents.
The first step to evaluate a child for ADHD is to collect an entire medical history, review old records and school reports of performance, and take physical examination. The physical exam will check for health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hearing and vision issues. It will also check for signs of thyroid problems, which can lead to inattentive or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will interview both the child and his parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it has affected their family life, as well as relationships with friends and family. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also inquire whether there are any allergies in the child, especially food allergies that may cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor may also want to speak with the teacher about the child's schoolwork and performance. This will give an expert insight into the child's struggles every day.
If the child fulfills all of the requirements for ADHD in DSM-IV A diagnosis can be made. 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 type of ADHD a child is suffering from the specialist will compare their symptoms to those of other kids of similar age. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the same symptoms, for example, anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, a test by a specialist is the best method to obtain the correct diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of online tools that claim to assess ADHD symptoms, but these tools should never be used in lieu of an evaluation by a specialist. They provide general guidance and are limited by the fact that they can't take into account your unique situation.
During an evaluation, the doctor will ask you about your present problems and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. According to current research you are not able to be diagnosed as ADHD as an adult even if the symptoms did not manifest frequently during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). The doctor will request documents from your school or talk to your parents, teachers, or anyone else who knew you as a child.
You'll likely be asked to bring any previous psychological tests and performance evaluations from your job. If you can find old report cards, they could ask you to bring them with you. They usually contain teacher remarks that can reveal whether or not you were a person who was always moving or had difficulty paying attention. You might be asked to bring a relative or partner who knows you well to be able to question them about your behavior. This is not a way to test your honesty but to get additional information from a third-party.
get an adhd assessment will be looking for signs that could be affecting your life. For instance, this could include losing your job because you're not paying attention or causing financial problems because you're impulsive. It could also be a serious issue in your relationship due to your inability to wait for your turn or difficulty listening to others.
Other tests include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (version 1.1) or its clone CAARS-L, which is evaluated 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 latter has the same items and rating scale but requires an observer to assess your symptoms.
Even if you are embarrassed or ashamed, it's important to answer all questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The quality of the evaluation and its accuracy will be influenced by how much information you provide. The doctor will also need to determine if your symptoms are caused by another health issue such as thyroid issues or seizures. This will allow them to make the best recommendation for treatment. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and may also conduct a test of blood to measure levels in the brain of specific chemicals that are low in people suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
In the adolescent phase of life, the signs of ADHD can affect school performance and social interaction. These issues can have a negative effect on self-esteem of children and cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can assist an individual child overcome the difficulties of ADHD through behavioral therapy and medication. A child suffering from ADHD who is receiving treatment is often more successful at school and in other aspects of their lives.
The first step in assessing a teen for ADHD is to find the most appropriate health care provider. This can be done by contacting the child's doctor for recommendations or by looking for a specialist who has had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. A mental health specialist could be available at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician could suggest one.
In a clinic interview, the health care professional will ask the teenager about his or her school and home life, as well as other activities like hobbies and sports. 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 teenager. It's important to gather accurate information from different sources, as symptoms may appear different in different environments.
If the teen meets the criteria for ADHD according to DSM-5, the health care provider can 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 settings such as at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must affect daily functioning and cannot be explained by any other condition.
The health professional could also use neuropsychological tests to determine the teen's ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of teens to follow instructions and make precise judgements, as well as keep track of information. They also assess the teen's reaction speed as well as the amount of head movements that he or is able to make during the test. According to studies, objective measurements are more accurate in diagnosing ADHD than subjective informational ratings.