ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening may help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They could conduct a physical exam and review the medical and school records to find out whether the symptoms began in the early years of childhood.
They could use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient and those who are close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in Children
If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD It is important to find a medical expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A psychologist who is specialized in children and adolescents, or a pediatrician are good choices. The school you attend may have someone on staff, or you can ask other parents for references.
The first step in evaluating a child for ADHD is to obtain an entire medical history, look over the old records and school reports on performance, and then perform an examination. The physical exam will search for any health issues that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. This includes vision and hearing issues. It will also look for signs of thyroid problems, which can lead to an inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker will meet with both the child and his parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it affects 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 want to find out if the child suffers from any allergies, especially foods which could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will also want to talk to the child's teachers about their work and performance. get an adhd assessment will give the expert an overall view of the child's everyday struggles.
A diagnosis is 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 the type of ADHD a child is suffering from the doctor will assess their symptoms with those of other kids of similar age. They will also search for other conditions that may cause the same symptoms like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, an evaluation by a qualified professional is the best way to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available but they shouldn't substitute for a professional assessment. They offer general guidelines and are restricted by the fact they aren't able to take into consideration your unique situation.
During the test you will be asked about your current challenges and how they affect your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. According to current research it is not possible to be deemed to have ADHD at the age of adulthood even if the symptoms did not manifest regularly during childhood (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 a child.
They'll also likely request to see any performance evaluations you might have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests that you may have taken. They might also ask you to bring old report cards if you are able to locate them, as they typically contain comments from teachers that could indicate if you had trouble paying attention or were constantly moving. You might be requested to bring a friend or a colleague who knows you well to be able to question them about your conduct. This is not a way to verify your honesty, but rather to obtain additional information from a third party.
The professional will be looking for signs that could be affecting your life. This could include losing your job if you are impulsive, or causing financial problems if you don't concentrate. It could be a significant problem in your relationship due to your inability listen to others or to wait for your turn.
Other tests may include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its counterpart that is rated by observers 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 latter includes the same items and rating scale, but requires an individual to assess your symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed it is important to answer the questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. How much information you give will affect the accuracy and validity of your assessment. The specialist will need to determine if your symptoms are related to a medical issue such as thyroid issues or seizures. This will allow them to determine the best treatment option. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination that may include tests on blood to determine the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which could be deficient in those with ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect the performance of students and social interactions in the adolescent years. These issues can adversely affect a child's confidence and lead to depression and anxiety.
A trained professional can assist children find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD through the use of behavioral therapy and medication. Children with ADHD who are receiving treatment are more successful in school and in other aspects of their lives.
Finding the right health professional is the first step in assessing ADHD in teenagers. This can be accomplished by contacting the child's doctor for recommendations or looking for a specialist with had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. A mental health professional may be on staff at the school where the child is enrolled or a pediatrician could suggest one.
In a clinical interview the health care professional will inquire with the teen about his or her school and family life, as well as other activities, such as hobbies and sports. A thorough evaluation will include information from other caregivers such as parents, guardians, teachers and coaches, religious leaders and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. It is important to collect accurate information from multiple sources since a symptom could manifest differently in different environments.
If the teen meets the requirements for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5, a health care professional 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 child must exhibit the symptoms in more than one environments, like at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must be disruptive to daily functioning and can't be explained by any other disorder.
In addition to a clinical interview health care professionals can also conduct neuropsychological tests to assess the teen for ADHD. These tests may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of teens to follow directions, make accurate judgments and keep track of the details. The tests also test the teen's reaction time and head movements during the test. According to research, objective measurements are more reliable in identifying ADHD than the subjective ratings of informants.