ADHD Screening and Evaluation
A screening can help a physician determine whether symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They may do an exam of the body and look over the medical and school documents to determine whether the symptoms began in the early years of childhood.
They could utilize scales to assess the severity of symptoms. They may also conduct interviews with the person and those who are close to them.
ADHD in Children ADHD in Children: Assessment
If you suspect that your child has ADHD it is essential to locate a health care professional with expertise in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a great choice, or a psychologist who specializes in children and adolescents. The school you attend may have someone on staff, or you could seek out references from other parents.
The first step in evaluating a child for ADHD is to obtain a complete medical history, look over old school records and reports of performance, and take physical examination. The physical exam checks for any health issues which may resemble ADHD symptoms, such as vision and hearing problems. Also, it will look for signs of thyroid disease, which can trigger inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will sit down with the child and their parents. They will ask about the child's behavior and how it has affected 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 to know if the child has any food allergies, particularly those to which they are sensitive which could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor may also want to speak with the teacher about the child's schoolwork and performance. This will provide the expert with an overall view of the child's everyday 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. Experts will compare the symptoms of a child to the symptoms of other children of similar age to determine what subtype they are suffering from. They will also look for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and want to know more, an assessment by a 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, they should never be used in lieu of a professional assessment. They can only offer general advice and can't consider the individual circumstances of each individual.
During the test you will be asked about your current problems and their impact on your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It is believed that you aren't diagnosed with ADHD as an adult if your symptoms didn't appear frequently in your childhood (technically before the age of 12). The specialist will ask for the records of your school or speak to your teachers, parents or anyone else who had contact with you as a child.
They'll also likely request to see any performance reviews you might have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you might have taken. If you can find old report cards, they might ask you to bring them along. These often contain comments from teachers that may indicate whether or not you were a person who was always in motion or had trouble paying attention. They may also ask you to bring with you a spouse who is familiar with your life and they will be able to question them about your behavior. This isn't an attempt to verify your honesty, but rather to collect additional information from an independent source.
The expert will be looking for symptoms that are affecting your life. This could mean losing your job if you are impulsive, or causing financial trouble if you are unable to focus. It could be a serious problem 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 counterpart 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 second version includes the same items, but requires an observer to rate the symptoms.
Even if you are embarrassed or ashamed it is essential to answer all the questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. cheap adhd assessment of information you provide will influence the accuracy and quality of your assessment. The doctor will determine if your symptoms may be caused by a health issue, 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, which may include a test of blood to measure levels in the brain of certain chemicals that are low in those suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect the performance of students and social interactions in the adolescent years. These issues can have a negative impact on a child's self-esteem and can cause anxiety or depression.
A trained professional can help a child find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD through the use of behavioral therapy and medication. A child with ADHD who receives treatment is often more successful at school, as well as in other areas of their lives.
The first step in assessing a teen for ADHD is to find the right health care provider. This can be done by contacting the child's doctor for recommendations or looking for a specialist with had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. The school where the child is enrolled may have an employee who can assess the child, or a mental health professional can be recommended by a pediatrician, or a family doctor.
During a clinical interview, the health specialist will inquire from the teen about his or her school and family life, as well as other activities like hobbies and sports. A complete assessment will 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 is crucial to obtain accurate information from multiple sources because a symptom may manifest differently in different environments.
If the teenager meets the requirements for ADHD based on DSM-5, the health care professional can begin to consider 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 that include at home, at school or at work. The symptoms must be disruptive to everyday 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 may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests evaluate the capacity of teenagers to follow directions and make precise judgements, as well as keep track of details. The tests also test the teen's reaction time and head movements during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.