ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a physician determine if the symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. They can conduct an examination of the body and review medical records and school records to determine if symptoms started in childhood.
They can employ scales to evaluate the severity of symptoms. They may also conduct interviews with the patient as well as those who are close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in children
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, it's important to find a health care expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is an excellent choice or a psychologist that specializes in children and teens. You can seek references from other parents or staff at the school your child attends.
The first step in evaluating the child's likelihood of having ADHD is to obtain a complete medical history, look over the old records and school performance reports, and do a physical exam. The physical exam checks for certain health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hearing and vision issues. It will also check for signs of thyroid illness, which can trigger inattention and/or impulsive behaviors.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will interview 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 to know if the child has any allergies, especially foods that could make it difficult for them to concentrate. The doctor will want to talk to the child's teacher about their schoolwork and performance. This will give a professional insight into the child's struggles every day.
If the child fulfills all of 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. To determine the type of ADHD a child has the specialist will compare their symptoms with the symptoms of other children their age. assessed for adhd will also look for other conditions which may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect ADHD or other disorders, a test by a specialist is the best method to obtain the right diagnosis and treatment. Online tools claiming to assess ADHD symptoms are available however they shouldn't substitute for a professional evaluation. They can only give general advice and do not take into account the unique circumstances of each individual.
During the assessment you will be asked about your current challenges and their impact on your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It is believed that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood even if your symptoms did not manifest frequently in your childhood (technically before age 12). The specialist may request records from your school or talk to parents, teachers or anyone else who knew you as an infant.
You'll likely be asked to bring any previous psychological tests and performance evaluations from your previous job. They might ask you to bring old report cards if you can locate them, as they typically include comments from teachers which could reveal that you had trouble paying attention or were constantly moving. You might be asked to bring a friend or partner who is familiar with you so that they can interview them about your conduct. This isn't an attempt to verify your honesty, but to gather additional information from a reliable source.
The most important thing the professional will be looking for is whether you have symptoms that significantly interfere with your life. This could mean losing your job if are impulsive, or causing financial difficulties if you can't concentrate. This could cause a major issue in your relationship due to your inability listen to others or wait for your turn.
Other tests include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (version 1.1) or its equivalent 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 latter has the same items and rating scale, but requires an observer to rate your symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed it is important to answer the questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. The quality of the assessment and its accuracy will be influenced by the amount of information you give. The doctor will also have to determine whether 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 examination and may also conduct the testing of blood to measure levels in the brain of specific chemicals that are low in people suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
In the adolescent phase of life, the signs of ADHD can interfere with school performance and social interaction. These problems can have a negative effect on a child's self-esteem and cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can assist a child find ways to overcome the challenges of ADHD by implementing behavioral therapy and medication. A child suffering from ADHD who is receiving treatment often performs better at school, as well as in other areas of his or her life.
The first step in evaluating a teen for ADHD is to find the appropriate health care provider. Asking the child's doctor for recommendations, or seeking an expert who has experience treating children suffering from ADHD can be helpful. A mental health professional may be available at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician could suggest one.
During the clinical interview the health professional will meet with the teen and ask about their school and family lives, as well other activities, such as sports and hobbies. A complete evaluation will also include information from other caregivers like parents or guardians teachers, religious, Scout leaders, coaches, and others who have direct contact with the teenager. It's important to get accurate information from multiple sources as a sign of a disorder could manifest differently in different settings.
If the teen meets the criteria for ADHD based on DSM-5, a health care provider can 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 must be present in at least two environments, including at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must affect daily functioning and cannot be explained by other disorder.
In addition to a clinical interview, a health professional can use neuropsychological testing to evaluate the teen's risk of ADHD. These tests may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests measure the ability of teens to follow directions, make precise judgments and keep track of information. They also test the teen's response speed and the amount of head movements he or performs during the test. Studies suggest that objective measurements improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.