Are you or your child suffering from the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? A healthcare provider may recommend an ADHD screening to thoroughly assess your condition.
ADHD is basically a neurodevelopmental condition that generally begins at a young age. People with ADHD may deal with the issues of impulsivity, hyperactivity, or distractedness. They also find it challenging to complete simple tasks.
When Is an ADHD Evaluation Performed?
ADHD evaluations are usually done when a parent or teacher notices some symptoms in a kid that interfere with their ability to function properly. The condition is usually diagnosed first in children. American experts recommend that all healthcare providers regularly ask teachers, parents, and other caregivers about their child’s behavior in different environments and settings.
There is no cure for this condition, but getting an early evaluation can help diagnose the issue more accurately. It could also improve children’s quality of life sooner.
They may start learning more quickly and manage their emotions better.
How Does the Evaluation Work?
A series of steps are taken to diagnose the root cause of the issue. For example, they first identify whether ADHD symptoms are present and interfering with a kid’s daily functioning.
Next, they rule out alternative causes of those symptoms. For example, sleep disturbances, social problems, and anxiety disorders don’t always indicate that a person has ADHD.
Then, they identify comorbidities like the presence of a learning disability or mood disorder.
A rating scale is used to record the symptoms and other sources of information. This is done to ensure the child meets standardized criteria. They may also conduct a parent’s interview to know how the child behaves throughout the day.
Is Screening Only for Children?
Not at all. Even adults can get screened at any age. Studies indicate that about 4% of Americans older than 18 experience ADHD behaviors in one way or another. Generally, adults have had those behaviors since childhood, but they were never diagnosed.
In most cases, a primary care provider or pediatrician does the evaluation. They may also recommend taking your child to someone who specializes in ADHD and other behavioral health disorders.
How You Can Prepare for ADHD Screening
First, write down all prescription drugs, over-the-counter items, and supplements you or your child take. Then collect old school report cards to show the healthcare provider.
Next, write down specific examples. Like how the issues with focus, organization, or impulsivity affect your relationships. You can also create a timeline by thinking about when you first noticed these behaviors.
On the day of testing, dress in comfortable clothing as the appointment may include a basic physical exam. You also don’t need to worry about giving “perfect” answers. Honest and real-life examples help the clinician make an accurate assessment.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to get your child screened sooner so you can catch the symptoms early. Delaying it can be catastrophic for both you and your kid, as you’ll know about the issues when the serious damage has already been done to their health.