ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a doctor determine if symptoms match diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They can conduct an exam of the body and look over medical and school records to determine if the symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
They may use rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the person and those who are close to them.
Assessment of ADHD in children
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD It is essential to seek out a medical professional with experience in diagnosing the disorder. A psychologist that specializes in children and adolescents, or a pediatrician are good choices. You can seek references from other parents or from the staff at the school your child attends.
The first step in evaluating the child's risk of developing ADHD is to collect an entire medical history, review old school records and reports of performance, and take an examination. The physical exam will search for any health issues that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. These include vision and hearing problems. It will also look for signs of thyroid illness, which can trigger inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker will meet with the child and their parents. They will ask about the child's behavior and how it has affected their home life, relationships with family and friends. 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, particularly food allergies that may make it difficult for them to concentrate. The doctor will also want to speak to the child's teacher about their schoolwork and performance. This will give the expert an overall view of the child's daily struggles.
If the child meets all the requirements for ADHD in DSM-IV the 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 to the symptoms of other children of similar age to determine which subtype they are suffering from. They will also test for other conditions which may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect ADHD, an evaluation by a professional is the best method to obtain the right diagnosis and treatment. There are many online tools that claim to assess ADHD symptoms however, these tools should not be used to replace an assessment by a professional. They can only give general advice and do not consider the individual circumstances of each individual.
In an assessment, the specialist will inquire about your current issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. It is believed that you cannot be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood if your symptoms didn't appear regularly in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). The doctor will request records from your school or speak to your parents, teachers, or anyone else who had contact with you as a child.
They'll also likely ask to see any performance assessments you might have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you might have taken. If you find old report cards, they might ask you to bring them with you. They usually contain comments from teachers that may reveal whether or not you were someone who was constantly moving or had trouble paying attention. They might request that you bring along a friend or significant other who knows you well and they will be able to question them about your conduct. This isn't an attempt to verify your honesty, but rather to get additional information from an independent source.
The most important thing the expert will look for is whether you suffer from symptoms that significantly interfere with your daily life. For example, this might include losing your job because you can't pay attention or getting into financial trouble because of your impulsive nature. This could cause a major issue in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or wait for your turn.
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 second includes the same items and ratings scale, but requires an observer to assess your symptoms.
It is essential to answer all of the questions on an ADHD assessment honestly even if you are embarrassed or ashamed. The quality of the assessment and its accuracy will be influenced by how much information you provide. he said will determine if your symptoms are caused by a health issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures. This will help them make the most appropriate recommendation for treatment. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination that may include a blood test to measure levels of certain chemicals in the brain that might be deficient in those with ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
In the adolescent phase of life, signs of ADHD can interfere with school performance and social interaction. These issues can adversely affect the confidence of a child and can result in anxiety and depression.
A qualified professional can help children find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD by implementing behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who are receiving treatment tend to do better in school, as well as other areas of their lives.
The first step in evaluating a teen for ADHD is to find the most appropriate health care provider. This can be accomplished by asking the child's physician 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 child's school or a pediatrician can suggest one.
During the interview, the health professional will meet with the teen and ask about their home and school life, as well as other activities like sports and hobbies. A thorough assessment includes information from other caregivers like parents guardians, teachers, religious leaders, coaches, and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. It's important to gather accurate information from different sources, as a symptom may appear different in different environments.
If the child meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD The health care provider can 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 such as at the home, in school or at work. The symptoms must disrupt daily functioning and can't be explained by a different disorder.
In addition to a medical interview, the health care professional may also use neuropsychological tests to assess the teen for ADHD. These tests could include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of teens to follow directions, make accurate judgments and keep track of details. The tests also test the speed at which a teenager reacts and head movements during the test. Studies suggest that objective measurements improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.