ADHD Screening and Evaluation
A screening test can help a physician determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may do an examination of the body and review medical and school records to determine whether the symptoms began in childhood.
They may utilize scales to assess the severity of symptoms. They can also conduct interviews with the person and those close to them.
Assessment of ADHD in children
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it is important to seek out a medical professional who has experience in diagnosing the disorder. A pediatrician is an excellent option or a psychologist who is skilled in treating children and teens. The school you attend may have a psychologist on staff, or you could request references from other parents.
To determine if a child has ADHD, the first step is to get an accurate medical record and then review the old school records, and then perform a physical examination. The physical exam checks for health conditions which may resemble ADHD symptoms, such as vision and hearing problems. It will also look for signs of thyroid issues that can lead to an inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker will meet with the child and their parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it affects their family life, relationship with friends and family. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also want know if the child has any food allergies, specifically foods, that might make it hard for them to concentrate. The doctor should discuss with the child's school teacher about their academic performance and schoolwork. 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 is possible. In addition, the doctor will often assess whether the child has the combined type of ADHD or just inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive. To determine how to get an assessment for adhd of ADHD a child is suffering from, the expert will compare their symptoms to 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 you might have ADHD and are concerned about it, a professional assessment is the best way to diagnose and treat you. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available however they shouldn't replace a professional assessment. They offer general guidance, but are limited by the fact that they can't take into account your individual situation.
During the evaluation, the doctor will ask you about your current problems and how they impact your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It's believed that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood when your symptoms weren't evident regularly in childhood (technically before the age of 12). The specialist can request records from your school or talk to parents, teachers or anyone who knew you as a child.
You'll likely be required to bring any prior psychological tests and performance evaluations from your job. If you can find old report cards, they could request that you bring them with you. They often include comments from teachers that may indicate whether or not you were someone who was constantly on the move or had trouble paying attention. You might be asked to bring a relative or partner who is familiar with you to interview them on your behavior. This is not to verify your honesty, but rather to obtain additional information from a third party.
The specialist will look for signs that are impacting your life. This could include losing your job if you are easily distracted or falling into financial problems if you don't focus. It could also be a serious relationship problem caused by your inability to wait for your turn or have trouble listening to other people.
Other assessments might include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its observer-rated equivalent 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 second version contains the same items, but asks an observer to rate the symptoms.
Even if you are embarrassed or ashamed, it's important to answer the questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The amount of information you provide will impact the accuracy and quality of your evaluation. The doctor will also have to determine if your symptoms are caused by another health issue such as thyroid issues or seizures. This will enable them to determine the best treatment option. The specialist will also conduct a physical exam that could include an examination of the blood to determine the 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 hinder school performance and social interaction. These problems can negatively impact a child's confidence and lead to depression and anxiety.
A qualified professional can aid a child in overcoming the problems of ADHD through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. A child who has ADHD who is receiving treatment usually performs better in school and in other aspects of their life.
The first step to evaluate the teen's condition for ADHD is to find the right health care provider. This can be done by asking the child's doctor for recommendations or searching for a specialist with had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. The school of the child may have an employee who can assess the child, or a mental health specialist is recommended by a pediatrician or a family physician.
During the clinical interview an expert in health care will meet with the teen and inquire about their home and school 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 and Scout leaders, coaches and others who are in direct contact with the teen. It's important to gather accurate information from different sources, as symptoms can appear differently in different environments.
If the teen meets the criteria for ADHD according to DSM-5, the health care professional can start to look into 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 evident in at least two different settings such as 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 clinical interview, the health care professional may also use neuropsychological tests to evaluate the teen's risk of ADHD. These tests may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests measure the teen's ability to follow instructions, make precise judgments and keep track of information. They also assess the teen's response speed and the amount of head movements he or is able to make during the test. Studies suggest that objective measurements improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.