How ADHD is diagnosed?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which starts to develop in early developmental stage of life. If a child is showing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in his or her developmental stage of life a mental health specialist can refer for screening of ADHD. In ADHD screening health consultant finds that either child have all the symptoms matching ADHD or there is possibility of another disorder with similar symptoms.

There is no specific test used to diagnose ADHD. There are multiple tests used including Physical examination of the child and many other screenings.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which a child shows

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity/inattention
• Distraction

A child shows hyperactivity, and distraction to a very minimal environmental change. Child fails to pay proper attention on any task which effects academic and daily life functioning of the child.

What are Symptoms of ADHD?

According to DSM the basic symptoms of ADHD are:

Inattention

1. Difficulty to pay attention in school activities or other activities
2. Sometimes it seems like he or she is not listening even when spoken directly
3. Reluctant in showing mental efforts, sometime don’t perform tasks which require little mental effort
4. Distracted easily
5. Forget daily life things
6. Difficulty in organizing
7. Make careless mistakes in homework or other school activities

Hyperactivity

1. Talk excessively
2. Show stereotypic movements like flap hands, tap feet etc
3. Quietly leaves the situation when it seems difficult to remain part of it
4. Can’t stay calm so didn’t take part in leisure activities
5. Starts running or climbing in situations when it is considered inappropriate
6. Can’t wait for his or her turn

When & How ADHD Screening is performed?

ADHD is clearly visible in the behavior of a child. When the teachers or parents observe any of the above mentioned symptoms in the child behavior and this is disturbing the daily performance of the child then the pediatrician, teacher or therapist suggest the screening for ADHD.

How to get ADHD screening?

For the screening of ADHD firstly parent have to notice and observe the symptoms in their child. Parents and teachers of child have to notice

1. Either child have problem in attention or hyperactivity
2. The behavioral issues of child disturbing his or her daily life performance

If these behaviors are shown in child then parents have to contact the child school and ask for a detailed evaluation of child including learning and behavioral evaluations. Schools can evaluate children from age 3 to 21 years for screening. If school’s evaluation have mentioned the symptoms for ADHD but cannot diagnose it then parents have to consult mental health specialists.

ADHD step by step Screening

For the screening of ADHD it is really needs attention and accuracy. For better screening American Psychological Association’s manual for Diagnosis DSM5TR have described three steps

1. Identify

Identify carefully that whether the symptoms are present and are these symptoms causing impairment in daily life functioning of the child

2. Rule out

Now rule out those symptoms which can be due to another reason. Sometimes sleep disturbances in child routine, depression or Adjustment Disorder can also be the cause of child inactivity.

3. Identify Comorbidity

Identify the presence of any other disorder like neurodevelopmental disorder, Intellectual disability or mood disorders.

These symptoms for the diagnosis of ADHD can be recorded by these three means

1. Recording symptoms by any Physical, Neurodevelopmental or any medical exam.
2. Recording the symptoms for inactivity or hyperactivity by using rating scales.
3. An interview which includes question about child’s behavior at school or at home.

What are the conditions for the Diagnosis of ADHD?

For the diagnosis of ADHD these conditions are need to here look

1. For a children to be diagnosed 6 or more symptoms from Hyperactivity and Inattention both need to present for at least 6 months.
2. For an adult to be diagnosed with 5 symptoms from one category Hyperactivity and Inattention need to be present for at least 6 months.
3. Adults and children both have shown these symptoms in more than one settings for example a child is showing inattention in school and at home as well.
4. The symptoms impair the daily life functioning of the individual.
5. These symptoms start to develop before the age of 12 years.

There are some other conditions that causes ADHD symptoms like

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Autism
4. Brain injury
5. Sleep Problems