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 the medical and school records to determine whether the symptoms began in childhood.
They could use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient and others close to them.
ADHD in Children ADHD in Children: Assessment
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it's 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 excellent options. Your child's school might have a psychologist on staff or you can seek out references from other parents.
The first step in evaluating the child's risk of developing ADHD is to collect a complete medical history, review old school records and performance reports, and do a physical exam. The physical exam will look for health conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. These include vision and hearing issues. Also, it will look for symptoms of thyroid disease which can lead to inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker will sit down with the child and their parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it has affected his or her home life, 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 be aware of if the child has any food allergies, specifically foods, that might make it hard for them to concentrate. The doctor may also need to speak to the child's teachers about their schoolwork and performance. This will give an expert a good idea of the child's daily struggles.
If the child fulfills all 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. Experts will evaluate the symptoms of a child with the symptoms of other children of similar age to determine which subtype they have. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect you have ADHD and want to know more, an assessment by a specialist is the best way to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available, but they should never replace a professional assessment. They offer general guidance, but are restricted by the fact that they don't consider your individual situation.
During the examination, you will be asked about your current problems and the impact they have on your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It is believed that you cannot be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood if your symptoms didn't appear frequently in your childhood (technically before age 12). The doctor may request documents from the school or talk to your parents, teachers or anyone who was familiar with you as an infant.
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. If you can find old report cards, they could ask you to bring them along. These often contain teacher remarks that can be a sign that you were a person who was constantly moving or was unable to focus. They may request that you bring with you a loved one who is familiar with your life, so they can interview them about your behavior. This isn't a way to verify your honesty, but to get additional information from a reliable source.
The professional will be looking for symptoms that are affecting your life. This could mean losing your job due to the fact that you can't pay attention or getting into financial trouble because of your impulsive nature. It could be a significant issue in your relationship due to your inability to listen to others or wait your turn.
Other assessments might include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its counterpart that is rated by observers CAARS-L: O. Iampsychiatry 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 is important to answer all questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The quality of the evaluation and its accuracy will be affected by how much information you give. The doctor will also have to determine if your symptoms are caused by other health issues like thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them determine the best treatment option. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam, which may include a blood test to measure the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that could be insufficient in people suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
ADHD symptoms can impact the performance of students and social interactions in the adolescent phase of life. These problems can have a negative effect on a child's self-esteem, and can cause anxiety or depression.
A qualified professional can help the child to overcome the challenges of ADHD by implementing a behavioral therapy and medication. Children with ADHD who are receiving treatment tend to perform better in school, as well as other areas of their lives.
The first step in assessing the condition of a teenager for ADHD is to locate the most appropriate health care provider. Asking the child's doctor for recommendations, or looking for an expert who has experience treating children suffering from ADHD can be helpful. A mental health professional may be on staff at the school where the child is enrolled or a pediatrician could suggest one.
During a clinical interview, the health professional will ask the teen 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, coaches, religious leaders, and others who are directly in contact with the teenager. It's important to get reliable information from multiple sources since a symptom could appear differently in different environments.
If the teen is found to meet 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 child must show symptoms in multiple environments, like at home, in school or at work. The symptoms must impact everyday functioning and cannot be explained by any other condition.
The health care provider may also conduct neuropsychological tests to test the teen's ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of teens to follow instructions as well as make accurate judgements and keep track of information. They also assess the speed at which a teenager responds and the amount of head movements he or she makes during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.