ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may perform an examination of the body as well as review medical documents and school records to determine whether symptoms started in childhood.
They may use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient and those who are close to them.
Assessment of ADHD in children
If you suspect your child may have ADHD It is crucial to seek out a medical professional with experience in diagnosing the disorder. A psychologist who specializes with children and adolescents or an pediatrician is a good option. You can request references from other parents or the staff at your child's school.
To determine if a child has ADHD, the first step is to obtain a complete medical record and review old school records, and perform an examination. The physical exam checks for any health issues that can mimic ADHD symptoms, including vision and hearing problems. It will also look for signs of thyroid problems that 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 affected their lives at home and their 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 want be aware of if the child has any food allergies, specifically foods, that might make it difficult for them to concentrate. The doctor will also want to discuss with the child's school teacher about their performance and schoolwork. This will give the doctor a an overall view of the child's daily struggles.
A diagnosis is made if the child meets 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 which subtype a child has the specialist will compare their symptoms with those of children of similar age. linked web site will also look for other conditions that could 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 professional is the best method to diagnose and treat you. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available however they shouldn't substitute for a professional evaluation. They provide general guidance and are limited by the fact that they can't take into account your individual situation.
During an assessment, the doctor will inquire about your present problems and how they impact your life. They'll also inquire about your childhood experiences. It is believed that you aren't diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood even if your symptoms did not manifest regularly in the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). The specialist will ask for the records of your school or talk to your teachers, parents, or anyone else who was familiar with you as a child.
They'll likely also ask to see any performance assessments you have from your job and copies of previous psychological tests you may have taken. If you have old report cards, they might ask you to bring them with you. These often contain teacher remarks that can be a sign that you was always on the move or was unable to focus. They might request that you bring along a friend or spouse who is familiar with you, so they can interview them about your behavior. This isn't an attempt to verify your honesty, but to collect additional information from a reliable source.
The specialist will look for signs that are impacting your life. For instance, this could mean losing your job due to the fact that you're not attentive or running into financial trouble because you're impulsive. It could be a significant issue in your relationship due to your inability listen to others or wait your turn.
Other assessments include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (version 1.1) or its clone CAARS-L-O, which is scored 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 version has the same items, but requires an observer to rate symptoms.
It is essential to answer all of the questions in an ADHD assessment honestly, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. How much information you give will affect the accuracy and validity of your evaluation. The doctor will also need to determine if your symptoms are due to another health issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will allow them to make the best treatment recommendation. 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 insufficient in people suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD symptoms can impact school performance and social interactions in the adolescent phase of life. These issues can adversely affect children's confidence and may lead to depression and anxiety.
A qualified professional can help a child in overcoming the challenges of ADHD through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Children with ADHD who receive treatment tend to do better in school and in other aspects of their lives.
The first step in assessing the condition of a teenager for ADHD is to find the right health care provider. Asking the child's physician for suggestions, or searching for an expert with experience treating children with ADHD can help. A mental health specialist may be available at the child's school or a pediatrician can suggest one.
During a clinical interview, the health care professional will inquire with the teenager about their school and family life, as well as other activities like hobbies and sports. A complete evaluation will also include information from other caregivers, like parents or guardians, teachers, religious and Scout leaders, coaches and others who have direct contact with the teen. It is important to collect accurate information from several sources as a sign of a disorder could appear differently in different environments.
If the teen is found to meet the criteria for ADHD based on DSM-5, a health professional may start to think about the possibility of 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 should be present in at least two environments that include at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must disrupt normal functioning and cannot be explained by any other disorder.
In addition to a medical interview, the health care professional can use neuropsychological testing to assess the teen for ADHD. These tests could include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of a teenager to follow instructions, make accurate judgments and keep track of details. They also examine the teen's reaction speed as well as the amount of head movements he or is able to make during the test. According to research the objective tests are more accurate in identifying ADHD than subjective informant ratings.
