Do you think you or your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? If so, a doctor may recommend that you get tested for ADHD, which is also called an ADHD screening. This is not a test, but rather a diagnostic test.
What is ADHD? (What is ADHD?)
Simply put, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition . It often begins in childhood. We used to call it ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder), meaning that it was just a type of ADHD without the misbehavior. But now it is considered a separate type of ADHD. People with ADHD can have problems with things like:
- Impulsivity means doing what you feel like doing immediately.
- Hyperactivity.
- Distractedness is the tendency to lose focus quickly.
- Difficulty following instructions.
- It is difficult to finish a task you have started.
When is this ADHD evaluation done?
Often, an ADHD evaluation is performed when a parent, teacher, or pediatrician notices some of the symptoms of ADHD in a child. This is especially important if the symptoms are interfering with the child's homework or schoolwork.
ADHD is often first diagnosed in childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that doctors should always ask parents, teachers, and other caregivers about their child's behavior at home and at school.
If you notice changes in your child's behavior, or if you feel you have ADHD symptoms yourself as an adult, your doctor may recommend an ADHD evaluation. There is no cure for ADHD. However, getting an ADHD evaluation and early diagnosis can help improve your quality of life, as the condition can lead to learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
How do I screen my child for ADHD?
The first step is to talk to your child's pediatrician. Be sure to talk if you feel:
- Your child has trouble paying attention, staying in one place, or is being stubborn.
- The child's behavior affects homework and schoolwork.
If your child's symptoms are affecting their learning, your pediatrician will likely recommend that you call the school and request a learning evaluation. Be as specific as possible about any learning or behavioral difficulties your child is having. For example, writing letters or numbers backwards, or having difficulty writing them.
Schools are legally authorized to screen children between the ages of 3 and 21 for learning disabilities. This assessment is completely free , and (by law) must include standardized tests.
The school cannot diagnose ADHD. However, they can record symptoms and classify your child as "Other Health Impaired" (OHI). You can bring a copy of this report to your pediatrician's ADHD evaluation appointment. This school assessment will help the doctor evaluate your child.
Is ADHD testing only done for children?
No. Adults can be tested and diagnosed with ADHD at any age. About 4% of Americans over the age of 18 display ADHD behaviors on a regular basis. Typically, these behaviors have been present since childhood but have never been diagnosed. If you think you may have ADHD symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested for ADHD.
Who performs an ADHD evaluation?
Most often, a pediatrician or family doctor (Primary Care Provider) will evaluate ADHD. Sometimes, your doctor may refer your child to a specialist who specializes in ADHD and other developmental, behavioral, or mental health problems.
How is ADHD screening done?
Doctors follow a series of steps to make a diagnosis. Part of this testing is based on guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR™).
Diagnosing ADHD is a three-step process:
1. Identifying whether ADHD symptoms are present and whether those symptoms are interfering with daily activities.
2. To rule out other conditions that could be causing these symptoms, such as sleep problems, social problems, adjustment disorders, and depression.
3. Identifying other comorbidities. For example, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, intellectual disabilities, or mood disorders.
During a typical ADHD evaluation, you can expect things like:
- Medical, physical, or neurodevelopmental screening: This will check whether you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity.
- Recording symptoms using scoring scales and other sources of information: This will help you determine whether you or your child meet standardized criteria.
- Interview: This involves asking questions about your child's behavior in various settings, such as at home and school.
To make an ADHD diagnosis, doctors look at these conditions:
- For children: Six or more symptoms in one or both of the two main categories (inattention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity) must be present for the past six months.
- For adults: At least five confirmed ADHD behaviors in one category (inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive) must be present for six months.
- Adults or children must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in two or more settings, such as home, school, or work. This is usually confirmed by two or more observers.
- Symptoms must be disabling and interfere with daily activities .
- Symptomatic behaviors must have begun in childhood, usually before the age of 12 .
- The symptoms cannot be caused by another medical condition. For example, these symptoms cannot be caused by anxiety or depression.
What are the questions asked during an ADHD test?
During the interview, your doctor will discuss your or your child's developmental, health, family, and lifestyle history. They may also ask for information from other people, such as family members, friends, teachers, or coaches.
Your doctor may ask questions like these:
- "How often do you find it difficult to finish a task or project completely, even after you or your child has completed the difficult parts?"
- "Do you think anyone in your immediate family (parents, siblings) has ADHD, or have they had ADHD, whether or not they have been diagnosed or treated?"
- "How often do you or your child experience fidgeting or shaking of the arms or legs when sitting for a long time?"
- "How often do you or your child get distracted by the noise and activity around you?"
- "How often do you or your child have difficulty waiting their turn in places where you need to take turns?"
What other conditions can cause ADHD symptoms?
To make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, your doctor will need to rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Learning disabilities
- Autism `(Autism)`
- Undetected seizures
- Medical conditions that affect brain function, such as thyroid disorders.
- Lead toxicity
- Sleep problems
Are all ADHD tests the same?
Healthcare providers use the same guidelines as those in the DSM-5-TR™, which ensures that they are diagnosing and treating people with ADHD according to appropriate standards. However, they may use different methods to identify the symptom criteria for this condition.
Your doctor can tailor the rest of the testing process to your specific symptoms. For example, if you have difficulty concentrating in a learning environment, the testing process you need may be different from the process someone who has difficulty controlling their emotions might need.
Going beyond the basic ADHD criteria, your doctor can perform an individualized screening to look at your symptoms and determine what's causing them—whether it's ADHD or something else.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
You can expect an ADHD test to take at least one to three hours . It depends on what is included (and if you have a child, the child's age). A full evaluation usually takes longer, because your doctor will need to gather information from multiple sources. Additional tests may take days or weeks to rule out other medical conditions.
How to prepare for an ADHD test?
When you come for your exam, bring a list of all medications you (or your child) are currently taking. Come prepared to answer questions about family health history, personal health history, environment, and performance and behavior at school or work. Since there may be a physical exam, come in light clothing with minimal jewelry.
What to expect during an ADHD test?
Here are some things you can expect during your appointment with your doctor:
- Answering questions: You will need to talk to the doctor about your or your child's health history, symptoms, and behavior.
- A questionnaire: You may be asked to fill out one or more questionnaires. Your doctor may also ask other people, such as family members, friends, or teachers, to fill out a questionnaire.
- Physical examination: A general physical examination can help rule out other conditions.
- Observing the child: If your child is being tested, the doctor will spend time with the child to observe their behavior.
What to expect after the test?
If your doctor doesn't order any other tests and confirms the diagnosis of ADHD, they may prescribe treatment, such as medication. They may also want to schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to talk about how the treatment is going.
In some cases, your doctor may decide that you or your child does not have ADHD and may recommend other tests. Follow your doctor's instructions to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
What are the risks of an ADHD test?
There are no risks associated with an ADHD evaluation. If there are any risks associated with other tests you may need to have to rule out other medical conditions, talk to your doctor about them.
Can I take an ADHD test online?
Although there are ADHD questionnaires available online, only trained healthcare providers can diagnose and treat ADHD. If you think you or someone you love may have severe ADHD symptoms, see your doctor for a full evaluation and diagnosis.
What are the results of an ADHD test?
Because an ADHD test involves many steps, the results can vary. For example, you or your child may be diagnosed with another condition, such as anxiety or depression, instead of ADHD.
If you or your child meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD set by the American Psychiatric Association, your doctor may diagnose you with one of four types of ADHD:
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type: Children or adults have hyperactive/impulsive behavior for at least six months, but their symptoms are not diagnosed as "inattention deficit."
- Predominantly inattentive type (formerly called attention deficit disorder or ADD): Children or adults have trouble paying attention for at least six months, but they are not diagnosed as hyperactive/impulsive.
- Combined type (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive): Symptoms of both types of ADHD have been present for at least six months. Children with ADHD often have this type.
- Other specified/unspecified ADHD: Children or adults have attention problems, but do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
When will I know the results of the ADHD test?
The time it takes to get test results depends on how many additional tests, evaluations, or appointments your doctor recommends before making a diagnosis. Ask your doctor how long it will take to get a diagnosis.
Finally, remember this.
If you're feeling a little nervous about getting tested for ADHD, remember that this condition is very common and treatable. Getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve your quality of life. ADHD testing is truly a discovery process. Going beyond the standard criteria, your doctor can help you tailor the test to your exact needs. If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD and think you might benefit from a diagnosis, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor today. They are here to help.
` ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, neurodevelopment, mental health, child health, diagnosis
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