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ADHD Screening and Evaluation Screening can help a doctor determine if symptoms match diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They can perform an examination of the body and look over medical records and school records to determine whether symptoms began in childhood. They may employ rating scales to determine the severity of symptoms. They may also interview the patient as well as those who are close to them. Evaluation of ADHD in Children If you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD It is essential to consult a health professional with experience diagnosing the disorder. A pediatrician is a good choice or a psychologist that is skilled in treating children and adolescents. The school where your child attends may have a psychologist on staff, or you can ask other parents for references. To determine whether a child is suffering from ADHD, the first step is to get the complete medical history, review old school records, and then perform an examination. The physical exam will check for any health issues that may mimic ADHD symptoms, including vision and hearing problems. Also, it will look for symptoms of thyroid disease which can cause inattentive and/or impulsive behaviors. 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 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 inquire whether there any allergies present for the child, specifically food allergies that can cause them to be unable to focus. The doctor will also want to speak to the child's teacher about their performance and schoolwork. This will give the expert a good overall picture of the child's daily struggles. A diagnosis can be given if the child is in compliance with 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. To determine which subtype a child is suffering from, the expert will compare their symptoms with those of children similar to their age. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such anxiety or learning disorders. Assessment of ADHD in adults If you suspect you have ADHD and want to know more, an assessment by a qualified professional is the best way to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. There are many online tools that claim to help you assess ADHD symptoms however, these tools are not meant to be used to replace an assessment by a professional. They provide general guidance and are restricted by the fact they can't take into account your individual situation. During an assessment, the doctor will inquire about your present problems and how they impact your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. It's believed that you cannot be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood when your symptoms weren't evident frequently in your childhood (technically before the age of 12). gp adhd assessment can request records from school or ask to talk to parents, teachers or anyone else who was familiar with you as when you were a child. They'll also likely ask to see any performance assessments you have from your job 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, as these typically include comments from teachers that might indicate whether you had trouble paying attention or were always moving. They might also ask you to bring an acquaintance or significant other who is familiar with your life to talk to them about your behavior. This is not an attempt to verify your honesty, but rather to get additional information from a third party. The expert will be looking for signs that are impacting your life. For instance, this could be a case of losing your job because you're not paying attention or causing financial problems because you're impulsive. This could cause a major issue in your relationship due to 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 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 latter has the same items and a rating scale but requires an observer to assess your symptoms. Even if you're uncomfortable or embarrassed it is essential to answer all questions honestly during an ADHD assessment. The quality of the assessment and its accuracy will be affected by how much information you provide. The doctor will determine whether your symptoms are caused by a health issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures. This will help them formulate the best recommendation for treatment. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination that may include an examination of the blood to determine the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that might be insufficient in people suffering from ADHD. Assessment of ADHD in adolescents In the adolescent phase of life, symptoms of ADHD can interfere with school performance and social interaction. These problems can negatively impact the confidence of a child and can cause anxiety and depression. A trained professional can assist children in overcoming the difficulties of ADHD through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Children who suffer from ADHD who are receiving treatment tend to perform better in school and in other aspects of their lives. The first step in assessing a teen for ADHD is to locate the appropriate health care provider. This can be accomplished by asking the child's doctor for recommendations or looking for a specialist with had experience treating children suffering from ADHD. A mental health professional may be available at the school where the child is enrolled or a pediatrician could suggest one. During the clinical interview, the health professional will talk to the teen, asking questions about their home and school life, as well as other activities, such as sports and hobbies. A complete evaluation will also include information from other caregivers, like parents or guardians teachers, religious and Scout leaders, coaches, and others who are in direct contact with the teenager. It's important to gather accurate information from various sources, since a symptom can be different in different environments. If the child 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 child must exhibit the symptoms in two or more situations, including at home, at school or on the job. The symptoms must interfere with the daily activities of the person and cannot be explained by other disorder. The health care professional may also employ neuropsychological tests to determine the teen's ADHD. These tests may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests assess the ability of teenagers to follow directions and make correct judgements as well as keep track details. The tests also assess the teen's reaction speed and head movements during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve diagnostic accuracy for ADHD more than subjective information ratings.