adhd assessment scotland 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 the medical and school records to find out whether the symptoms began in childhood.
They may use rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. They also may interview the patient and others close to them.
ADHD in Children: Assessment
If you suspect your child has ADHD, it's important to find a medical professional with expertise in diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A psychologist who specializes with children and adolescents, or a pediatrician are excellent options. You can seek references from other parents or the staff at your child's school.
The first step in assessing the child's likelihood of having ADHD is to obtain an accurate medical history, look over old school records and reports on performance, and then perform a physical exam. The physical exam will look for certain health conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hearing and vision problems. It will also check for symptoms of thyroid disease which can trigger inattention and/or impulsive behaviors.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will interview the child and their parents. They will inquire about how the child's behavior affected their home life and relationships with family and friends. The doctor may use rating scales to help identify symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
They will also ask whether there are any allergies in the child, particularly food allergies that could cause them to be unable to concentrate. The doctor will also want to talk 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 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 examine the symptoms of a child with the symptoms of other children of similar age to determine what subtype they have. They will also search for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or learning disorders.
Assessment of ADHD in adults
If you suspect ADHD or other disorders, a test by a professional is the best way to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. Online tools that claim to evaluate ADHD symptoms are available but they shouldn't replace a professional assessment. They are only able to offer general advice and can't be able to take into consideration the specific circumstances of each person.
During the examination during the assessment, you'll be asked about your current issues and their impact on your life. They'll also ask about your childhood experiences. According to current thinking, you cannot be considered to have ADHD at the age of adulthood when symptoms didn't manifest frequently during your the early years of your life (technically prior to age 12). The specialist can request records from the school or talk to your parents, teachers or anyone who was familiar with you as an infant.
They'll also likely ask to see any performance evaluations you may have from work as well as copies of any previous psychological tests that you may have taken. If you have old report cards, they may request that you bring them along. These often contain teacher remarks that can indicate whether or not you were a person who was constantly on the move or had trouble paying attention. You may be requested to bring a friend or partner who is familiar with you to interview them about your conduct. This isn't a way to verify your honesty, but to gather additional information from an independent source.
The most important thing the specialist will be looking for is whether you have issues that seriously impact your life. This could include losing your job if are impulsive or getting into financial problems if you don't focus. This could cause a major issue in your relationship because of your inability to listen to others or 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 version has the same items, but requires an observer to rate the symptoms.
It's essential to answer all of the questions on an ADHD assessment honestly, even if you feel embarrassed or embarrassed. What you share will impact the accuracy and quality of your assessment. The doctor will also need to determine whether your symptoms are due to another health issue like thyroid issues or seizures. This will help them formulate the best recommendation for treatment. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination that may include tests on blood to determine the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that could be low in people with ADHD.
Assessment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD symptoms can affect the performance of students and social interactions in the adolescent phase of life. These problems can have a negative effect on a child's self-esteem, and cause anxiety or depression.
A qualified professional can aid a child in overcoming the difficulties of ADHD by using behavioral therapy and medication. A child with ADHD who receives treatment is often more successful at school, as well as in other areas of his or her life.
Finding the right health care provider is the first step to conducting a thorough assessment of ADHD in teenagers. The child's doctor can provide suggestions, or searching for an expert with experience treating children suffering from ADHD can be helpful. A mental health specialist may be available at the school where the child attends or a pediatrician may suggest one.
During the interview, a health care professional will meet with the teen, asking questions about their home and school lives, in addition to 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 have direct contact with the teen. It is essential to collect accurate information from various sources, since a symptom can be different in different environments.
If the teen meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, the health professional 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 settings, including at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must affect daily functioning and cannot be explained by any other condition.
In addition to a clinical interview health care professionals can also conduct neuropsychological tests to assess the teen for ADHD. These tests may include the Continuous Performance Test and the QbTest. These tests measure the ability of a teenager to follow directions, make precise judgments and keep track of details. They also examine the teen's response speed and the amount of head movements that he or is able to make during the test. Research suggests that objective measures improve the accuracy of diagnosing ADHD more than subjective informant ratings.