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Screening may help a doctor determine if the symptoms match diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may perform physical examinations and review medical records and school records to determine whether symptoms started in childhood.
They may use rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient and others close to them.
Assessment of ADHD in children
If you think your child is suffering from ADHD it is essential to locate a health care expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a great option, or a psychologist who is specialized in working with children and adolescents. The school where your child attends may have a psychologist on staff, or you can request references from other parents.
To determine whether a child is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to obtain the complete medical history and review old school records, then conduct physical exam. The physical exam will search for health conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These may include vision or hearing issues. It will also look for signs of thyroid issues, which can lead to uncontrollable or impulsive behavior.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will interview both the child and his parents. They will inquire about the child's behavior and how it has affected 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 be aware of if the child has any food allergies, particularly those to which they are sensitive that could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will want to discuss with the child's school teacher about their performance and schoolwork. This will give the doctor a a good overall picture of the child's everyday struggles.
If the child meets all of the criteria 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. Experts will evaluate the symptoms of a child with those of children who are similar to their age to determine what type they are suffering from. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for instance anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, a test by a qualified professional is the best way to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. There are many online tools that claim to help you assess ADHD symptoms, but these tools should never be used in lieu of a professional assessment. They provide general guidance and are restricted by the fact that they can't take into account your unique situation.
During the evaluation, the doctor will inquire about your current problems and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. According to current thinking it is not possible to be deemed 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 may request records from the school or speak to teachers, parents or anyone else who knew you as an infant.
They'll also likely request to see any performance evaluations you may have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you may have taken. If you have old report cards, they might request that you bring them along. They often include comments from teachers that may reveal whether or not you were someone who was constantly moving or had trouble paying attention. You might be asked to bring a friend or partner who knows you well to be able to question them on your behavior. This is not an attempt to test your honesty but to gather additional information from a third party.
The expert will be looking for signs that could be affecting your life. For instance, this could be a case of losing your job because you're not attentive or causing financial problems because you're impulsive. This could cause a major issue in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or wait your turn.
Other assessments might include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 or its counterpart that is rated by observers 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 latter includes the same items and a rating scale, but requires an individual to evaluate your symptoms.
Even if you are embarrassed or ashamed it is important to answer all the questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. The amount of information you provide will affect the accuracy and validity of your assessment. The doctor will also have to determine whether your symptoms are due to other health issues, such as thyroid problems or seizures. This will allow them to make the most appropriate recommendations for treatment. The specialist will also perform an examination of the body and may also conduct a test of blood to measure levels in the brain of certain chemicals that are in low levels in those suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect school performance and social interactions in the adolescent years. These problems can have a negative effect on a child's self-esteem, and can cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can assist the child to overcome the challenges of ADHD by implementing behavioral therapy and medication. A child suffering from ADHD who receives treatment is often more successful at school and in other aspects of his or her life.
The first step in assessing the teen's condition for ADHD is to locate the appropriate health care provider. This can be accomplished by asking the child's physician for recommendations or searching for a specialist who has experience treating children with ADHD. The school of the child might have a staff member who can evaluate the child or a mental health professional can be recommended by a pediatrician or family doctor.
In a clinic interview, the health professional will ask the teenager about their school and home life as well as other activities like hobbies and sports. A thorough evaluation will 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's important to gather accurate information from different sources, as a symptom may appear different in different settings.
If the teenager meets the requirements for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5, a health care professional can start to think about 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 different settings such as at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must impact everyday functioning and cannot be explained by any other illness.
The health care provider may also conduct neuropsychological tests to determine the teenager's ADHD. These tests include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests test the ability of teens to follow directions, make accurate judgments and keep track of the details. The tests also assess the teen's reaction time and head movements during the test. Studies suggest that objective measurements improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.