ADHD Screening and Evaluation
Screening can help a doctor determine if the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They could conduct an exam of the body and look over medical and school records to find out whether the symptoms began in childhood.
They may employ rating scales to determine the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the person and those who are close to them.
Evaluation of ADHD in Children
If you suspect your child may have ADHD it is essential to find a health care professional with expertise in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A psychologist who is specialized in children and adolescents or a pediatrician are good choices. The school you attend may have a psychologist on staff or you can ask other parents for references.
To assess a child's ADHD the first step is to get the complete medical history and review old school records, and perform a physical exam. The physical exam will look for health conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These may include vision or hearing problems. Also, it will look for signs of thyroid issues which can cause an inattention or impulsive behavior.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will meet with the child and their parents. They will inquire about how the child's behavior affected their family life and relationships with family and friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They should also be aware of if the child has any allergies, especially foods which could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will want to talk to the child's teacher about their performance and schoolwork. This will give a professional an accurate picture of the child's daily struggles.
If the child fulfills all the criteria 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. Experts will examine the symptoms of a child to those of other children their age to determine what subtype they have. They will also search for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in Adults
If you think you might have ADHD, a professional evaluation is the best method to diagnose and treat you. There are a variety of online tools that claim to assess ADHD symptoms however, these tools should not be used in lieu of an evaluation by a specialist. They provide general guidance and are restricted by the fact they aren't able to take into consideration your individual situation.
In an assessment, the specialist will ask you about your current issues and how they affect your life. You'll be asked about your childhood. According to current research it is not possible to be diagnosed as ADHD as an adult if symptoms did not appear frequently during your the early years of your life (technically prior to age 12). The specialist may request records from school or ask to speak to teachers, parents or anyone who knew you as an infant.
You'll likely be requested to bring any previous psychological tests and performance evaluations from your previous job. conversational tone might also ask you to bring old report cards if you are able to find them, as these typically contain comments from teachers that might indicate whether you had trouble paying attention or were constantly on the go. You may be requested to bring a friend or a colleague who is familiar with you to interview them about your behavior. This isn't a way to verify your honesty, but rather to gather additional information from an independent source.
The specialist will look for signs that are impacting your life. This could mean losing your job if are impulsive or getting into financial problems if you don't concentrate. This could cause a major issue in your relationship due to your inability to listen to others or wait your turn.
Other tests could 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 symptoms.
Even if you're embarrassed or ashamed it is essential to answer all questions honestly in an ADHD assessment. The quality of the assessment and its accuracy will be influenced by how much information you provide. The specialist will need to determine if your symptoms may be due to another health issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them make the most appropriate recommendation for treatment. adhd assessment glasgow will also conduct an examination of the body, which may include an examination of blood to determine levels in the brain of certain chemicals that are not present in those suffering from ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in adolescents
In the adolescent period of life, the signs of ADHD can affect school performance and social interaction. These issues can have a negative effect on self-esteem of children and lead to depression or anxiety.
A trained professional can assist children find ways to overcome the difficulties of ADHD through the use of behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who receive treatment tend to perform better in school and other areas of their lives.
Finding the right health care provider is the first step to assessing ADHD in teenagers. This can be done by asking the child's doctor for recommendations or searching for a specialist who has experience treating children with ADHD. A mental health specialist may be on staff at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician can recommend one.
During the clinical interview, a health care professional will talk to the teen and ask about their school and family lives, as well other activities such as sports and hobbies. A thorough assessment includes information from other caregivers like parents guardians, teachers, religious leaders, coaches, and others who are directly in contact with the teenager. It's important to gather accurate information from various sources, as symptoms can appear differently in different environments.
If the teen meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD The health care provider can begin 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 symptoms must be present in at least two environments that include at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must interfere with daily functioning and can't be explained by a different disorder.
The health care professional may also employ tests for neuropsychological disorders to assess the teen's ADHD. These tests can include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests measure the teen's ability to follow directions as well as make accurate judgements and keep track of details. The tests also measure the teen's reaction time and head movements during the test. According to studies the objective tests are more reliable in identifying ADHD than subjective informational ratings.