ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a physician determine if symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. They may perform an examination of the body and look over medical documents and school records to determine if the symptoms began in childhood.
They may use rating scales to determine the severity of symptoms. They can also conduct interviews with the patient and others close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in children
If you suspect your child may have ADHD It is essential to speak with a medical professional who has experience in diagnosing the disorder. A psychologist who is specialized in children and adolescents, or a pediatrician are good choices. The school where your child attends may have a psychologist on staff, or you can seek out references from other parents.
The first step in assessing a child for ADHD is to get an entire medical history, look over old school records and reports of performance, and take an examination. The physical exam checks for any health issues that can mimic ADHD symptoms, including hearing and vision issues. It will also look for signs of thyroid issues, which can lead to an inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will talk to both the child and his parents. They will ask questions about how the child's behavior has affected their home life and relationships with family members and their friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also ask if there any allergies present in the child, especially food allergies that can cause them to be unable to focus. The doctor will also want to speak with the child's teachers about their work and performance. This will give an expert a good idea of the child's daily struggles.
If the child fulfills all the criteria for ADHD in DSM-IV A diagnosis is possible. 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 is suffering from, the expert will compare their symptoms to those of other kids of similar age. They will also search for other conditions that might cause the same symptoms, for example, anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, a test by a professional is the best way to get the right diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms however, these tools should not be used in lieu of a professional assessment. They can only offer general advice and can't be able to take into consideration the specific situations of each individual.
During the assessment, the doctor will ask you about your current issues and how they affect your life. They'll also inquire about your childhood experiences. According to current research it is not possible to be diagnosed as ADHD as an adult when symptoms didn't manifest frequently in your the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). The doctor will request the records of your school or speak to your teachers, parents, or anyone else who had contact with you as a child.
You'll likely be requested to bring any previous performance tests or psychological tests from your job. They might request that you bring old report cards if you are able to locate them, as they often include teacher comments that might indicate whether you struggled to pay attention or were always on the go. You may be asked to bring a relative or a colleague who knows you well to be able to question them about your conduct. This isn't to check your honesty, but to gather additional information from a reliable source.
The most important thing an specialist will be looking for is whether you have symptoms that significantly interfere with your life. This could be a case of losing your job because you're not paying attention or causing financial problems because of your impulsive nature. This could cause a major problem 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 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 has the same items, but requires an observer to rate symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed, it's important to answer all questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. The quality of the assessment and its accuracy will be influenced by how much information you provide. The specialist will need to determine if your symptoms may be caused by a health issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures. This will help them formulate the best recommendation for treatment. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination that may include tests on blood to determine levels of certain chemicals in the brain that could be low in people 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 issues can have a negative effect on self-esteem of children and cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can assist children find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD by implementing a behavioral therapy and medication. A child who has ADHD who is receiving treatment is often more successful at school, as well as in other areas of their life.
The first step to evaluate the teen's condition for ADHD is to locate the appropriate health care provider. Asking the child's doctor for recommendations, or looking for a specialist with experience in treating children suffering from ADHD can help. A mental health specialist may be available at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician may recommend one.
In a clinical interview the health care specialist will inquire from the teenager about his or her school and home life, as well as other activities, such as hobbies and sports. A complete evaluation includes information from other caregivers such as parents, guardians, teachers and religious leaders, coaches, and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. he said is important to collect accurate information from several sources because a symptom may manifest differently in different settings.
If the teen is in line with DSM-5 criteria for ADHD The health care provider may begin 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 that include at the home, in school or at work. The symptoms must disrupt normal functioning and cannot be explained by a different disorder.
The health care provider may also use neuropsychological tests to determine the teen's ADHD. These tests include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests evaluate the capacity of teens to follow instructions and make precise judgements, as well as keep track of information. The tests also assess the teen's reaction speed and head movements during the test. According to research that have been conducted, objective measures are more reliable in identifying ADHD than subjective informant ratings.