ADHD Screening and Evaluation
A screening test can help a physician determine whether the symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. They can conduct a physical examination and look over medical documents and school records to determine whether symptoms started in childhood.
They may use scales to rate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient and those who are close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in Children
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, it is important to seek out a medical professional with experience diagnosing the disorder. A pediatrician is a good choice or a psychologist who is specialized in working with children and teens. The school you attend may have a psychologist on staff, or you could seek out references from other parents.
The first step to evaluate a child for ADHD is to get an accurate medical history, examine old school records and performance reports, and do a physical exam. adhd assessment women will search for health conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. These may include vision or hearing problems. It will also check for signs of thyroid disease, which can cause inattentive and/or impulsive behaviors.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will talk to both the child and his parents. They will inquire about how the child's behavior affected their home life and relationships with family members and friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also inquire if there are any allergies in the child, especially food allergies that may make it difficult for them to focus. The doctor may also need to speak to the child's teachers about their work and performance. This will give the expert an overall picture of the child's everyday struggles.
If the child meets 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 which subtype a child is suffering from the doctor will assess their symptoms with those of other kids of similar age. They will also search for other conditions that might cause the same symptoms, like anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect you have ADHD, an evaluation by a specialist is the best way to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms however, they should not be used to replace a professional assessment. They provide general guidance and are limited by the fact that they can't take into account your unique situation.
In an evaluation, the doctor will ask you about your current issues and how they impact your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. According to current research it is not possible to be considered to have ADHD at the age of adulthood even if the symptoms did not manifest frequently in your childhood (technically prior to age 12). The doctor will request documents from your school or speak to your teachers, parents or anyone else who knew you as a kid.
They'll likely also ask to see any performance assessments you have from your job as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you might have taken. If you can find old report cards, they may ask you to bring them with you. They often include teacher comments that could indicate whether or not you were someone who was always in motion or had difficulty paying attention. They may request that you bring along a friend or spouse who knows you well and they will be able to question them about your conduct. This isn't an attempt to verify your honesty, but rather to gather additional information from an independent source.
The professional will be looking for signs that could be affecting your life. This could mean losing your job if are impulsive, or causing financial problems if you don't concentrate. This could cause a major problem in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or to wait for your turn.
Other assessments 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 second includes the same items and a rating scale, but requires an individual to rate your symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed, it's important to answer all the questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. How much information you give will affect the accuracy and validity of your assessment. The specialist will need to determine whether your symptoms are related to a medical issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will allow them to determine the best treatment option. 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 specific chemicals that are not present in people suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
ADHD symptoms can impact school performance and social interactions in the adolescent stage of life. These issues can affect children's confidence and may lead to depression and anxiety.
A trained professional can assist children in overcoming the challenges of ADHD by using behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who are receiving treatment tend to do better in school and in other aspects of their lives.
Finding the right health professional is the first step in the assessment of ADHD in teens. This can be done by contacting the child's doctor for recommendations or searching for a specialist who has had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. The school of the child may have an employee who can evaluate the child, or a mental health specialist is recommended by a pediatrician or family physician.
During the clinical interview, an expert in health care will talk to the teen and inquire about their school and home lives, in addition to other activities such as hobbies and sports. A complete evaluation includes information from other caregivers such as parents guardians, teachers, coaches, religious leaders and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. It is essential to collect precise information from multiple sources, as a symptom can appear differently in different settings.
If the teen meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, the health care provider 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 must be evident in at least two environments, including at the home, in school or at work. The symptoms must disrupt daily functioning and can't be explained by another disorder.
The health professional could also employ tests for neuropsychological disorders to assess the teenager's ADHD. These tests could include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests test the ability of a teenager to follow directions, make accurate judgments and keep track of the details. The tests also test the speed at which a teenager reacts and head movements during the test. Research suggests that objective tests improve the accuracy of diagnosis for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.