ADHD Screening and Evaluation
A screening can help a doctor determine whether the symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. linked web site can conduct a physical examination and review medical documents and school records to determine if symptoms started in the early years of childhood.
They could use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the person as well as those who are close to them.
ADHD in Children: Assessment
If you suspect your child may have ADHD it is essential to find a health care expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a great option or a psychologist that specializes in children and teens. You can request references from other parents or from the staff at the school your child attends.
To assess a child's ADHD the first step is to collect an accurate medical record and review old school records, then conduct physical examination. The physical exam will search for health conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. These include vision and hearing issues. Also, it will look for signs of thyroid problems that can lead to an inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will meet with both the child and his parents. They will ask about the child's behavior and how it affects their 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 know if the child has any food allergies, specifically foods which could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will want to discuss with the child's school teacher about their schoolwork and performance. This will give an expert an accurate picture of the child's daily struggles.
If the child meets 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. To determine which subtype a child has the specialist will compare their symptoms to the symptoms of other children similar to their age. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for instance anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect ADHD, an evaluation by a qualified professional is the best method to obtain the correct diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms however, these tools should never be used in place of an assessment by a professional. They offer general guidance, but are restricted by the fact that they aren't able to take into consideration your individual situation.
During the examination during the assessment, you'll be asked about your current issues and how they affect your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. According to current research, you cannot be considered to have ADHD at the age of adulthood even if the symptoms did not manifest frequently during your the early years of your life (technically prior to age 12). The specialist can request records from the school or talk to parents, teachers or anyone who knew you well as a child.
You'll likely be required to bring any prior assessments of your performance and psychological tests from your job. If you have old report cards, they may ask you to bring them along. They often include comments from teachers that may be a sign that you was always moving or was unable to focus. You might be asked to bring a friend or a partner who knows you well to be able to question them about your conduct. This isn't to check your honesty, but to collect additional information from an independent source.
The specialist will look for signs that could be affecting your life. This could include losing your job if are easily distracted or falling into financial problems if you don't focus. It could also be a serious relationship problem due to your inability to wait for your turn or difficulty listening to other people.
Other tests include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (version 1.1) or its counterpart 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 includes the same items and ratings scale but requires an observer to rate your symptoms.
Even if you are embarrassed or embarrassed it is important to answer all questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The quality of the evaluation and its accuracy will be determined by how much information you provide. The doctor will determine whether your symptoms are related to a medical issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them determine the best treatment option. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination, which may include a blood test to measure the levels of certain chemical substances in the brain that could be deficient in those with ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
In the adolescent phase of life, symptoms of ADHD can affect school performance and social interaction. These issues can adversely affect the confidence of a child and can result in anxiety and depression.
A trained professional can assist 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 locate the appropriate health care provider. Asking the child's doctor for recommendations, or looking for an expert who has experience treating children with ADHD could be beneficial. A mental health professional may be available at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician may suggest one.
During the interview, a health care professional will meet with the teen and inquire about their school and family life, as well as other activities like sports and hobbies. A thorough assessment includes information from other caregivers like 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 show up differently in different environments.
If the teenager meets the requirements for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5, a health professional may 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 exhibit the symptoms in more than one environments, like at home and at school or on the job. The symptoms must impact the daily activities of the person and cannot be explained by other condition.
The health care provider may also conduct neuropsychological tests to determine the teenager's ADHD. These tests could include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests measure the teen's ability to follow instructions as well as make accurate judgements and keep track of details. They also examine the teen's response speed and the amount of head movements that he or is able to make during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective informant ratings.