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ADHD Screening and Evaluation Screening may help a doctor determine if the symptoms are diagnostic for ADHD. They could conduct an examination of the body and review medical and school records to determine whether the symptoms began in the early years of childhood. They can use rating scales to evaluate the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient as well as those who are close to them. ADHD in Children: Assessment If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD it is essential to find a health care expert who is experienced in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatrician is a good option or a psychologist who is skilled in treating children and adolescents. The school you attend may have a psychologist on staff, or you could ask other parents for references. The first step in assessing the child's likelihood of having ADHD is to collect an entire medical history, review the old records and school reports on performance, and then perform physical examination. The physical exam will look for certain health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hearing and vision problems. It will also look for signs of thyroid illness, which can cause inattentive or impulsive behavior. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker will interview both the child and his parents. They will ask about the child's behavior and how it affects 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 ask whether there are any allergies for the child, specifically food allergies that could make it difficult for them to focus. The doctor should discuss with the child's school teacher about their academic performance and schoolwork. This will give an expert insight into the child's struggles every day. A diagnosis can be determined if the child fulfills 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 evaluate the symptoms of a child to those of children who are similar to their age to determine which subtype they have. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the same symptoms for example, anxiety or learning disorders. Assessment of ADHD in Adults If you think you may have ADHD an evaluation by a professional is the best way to determine and treat you. There are a variety of online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms, but these tools should not be used in place of an assessment by a professional. They can only provide general advice and cannot consider the individual circumstances of each person. During more info will be asked about your current challenges and the impact they have on your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It's currently thought that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD at the age of adulthood when your symptoms weren't evident regularly during childhood (technically before the age of 12). The doctor will request records from your school or talk to your teachers, parents, or anyone else who knew you as a kid. They'll also likely ask to see any performance assessments you might have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests you might have taken. They might also request that you bring old report cards if you can find them, since they often include teacher comments which could reveal that you were unable to focus or were constantly moving. They may request that you bring with you a spouse who is familiar with your life, so they can interview them about your conduct. This is not a way to check your honesty, but to obtain additional information from a third party. The expert will be looking for signs that are impacting your life. For example, this might be a case of losing your job because you can't pay attention or running into financial trouble because you're impulsive. This could cause a major problem in your relationship due to your inability to listen to others or wait your turn. Other assessments 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 the questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. What you share will affect the accuracy and quality of your assessment. The doctor will also have to determine whether your symptoms are due to another health issue such as thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them formulate the most appropriate recommendations for treatment. The specialist will also perform an examination of the body that may include an examination of blood to determine levels in the brain of specific chemicals that are low in people 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 a child's self-esteem, and can cause anxiety or depression. A qualified professional can help a child in overcoming the problems of ADHD through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. A child with ADHD who receives treatment is often more successful at school and in other aspects of their life. Finding the right health care provider is the first step to assessing ADHD in teens. The child's doctor can provide recommendations, or looking for an expert who has experience treating children suffering from ADHD can help. The school of the child might have a staff member who can assess the child or a mental health professional can be recommended by a pediatrician or family doctor. In a clinical interview the health professional will inquire with the teenager about his or her school and family life, as well as other activities such as sports and hobbies. A complete evaluation includes information from other caregivers, such as parents, guardians, teachers and religious leaders, coaches, and others who are directly in contact with the teenager. It is important to collect accurate information from several sources because a symptom may show up differently in different environments. If the teen is in line with DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, the health 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 child must show symptoms in two or more environments, like at home, in school or at work. The symptoms must be disruptive to everyday functioning and cannot be explained by a different disorder. The health care provider may also use neuropsychological tests to test the teenager's ADHD. These tests could include the Continuous Performance Test or the QbTest. These tests test the ability of teens to follow instructions and make precise judgements, as well as keep track of information. The tests also measure the speed at which a teenager reacts and head movements during the test. Research suggests that objective tests improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective informant ratings.