Do you or your child have ADHD? Let's learn about this test (ADHD Screening)!

Do you or your child have symptoms of difficulty paying attention, being inattentive, or acting impulsively? If so, your doctor may recommend an ADHD Screening. This is also called an ADHD Assessment. This is not a test, but an assessment to determine if you have ADHD.

First of all, what is ADHD?

Simply put, ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder . It is a condition that is related to the development of our brain. It often starts in childhood. In the past, people who did not have the characteristic of 'Hyperactivity' but could not stay in one place were called ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder). But now it is also considered a type of ADHD.

A person with ADHD may have minor problems with things like:

• Impulsivity: Doing things suddenly without thinking.
• Hyperactivity: The inability to stay in one place, constantly running around and jumping.
• Distractedness: Losing focus on even the smallest things, having difficulty concentrating on the task at hand.
• Difficulty following instructions: Difficulty listening to instructions and following them exactly.
• Difficulty finishing a task: Starting a task but not being able to complete it and giving up halfway.

When is an ADHD test done?

Often, this test is performed when a parent, teacher, or the child's doctor notices a change in the child's behavior. That is, if the child's behavior seems to be interfering with homework or schoolwork.

ADHD is often first diagnosed in childhood, which is why pediatricians often ask parents and teachers about how their child is behaving at home and at school.

If you notice a change in your child's behavior, or if you feel that you have ADHD symptoms as an adult, you can talk to your doctor and get this evaluation. There is no cure for ADHD yet. However, if this condition is identified early, you can get the necessary treatment and advice and make life much easier. Because this condition can also come with learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

How do I get my child tested for ADHD?

Your first step should be to talk to your child's pediatrician, especially if you're concerned about:

• Your child may have difficulty staying focused, staying in one place, and controlling his or her impulsiveness.
• These behaviors have a major impact on the child's home and school work.

If these symptoms are affecting your child's learning, your doctor may tell you to call the school and request a learning evaluation. Be as specific as possible about any learning or behavioral difficulties your child may have. For example, things like shifting letters or numbers, difficulty writing, etc.

By law, schools can screen children between the ages of 3 and 21 for learning disabilities. This assessment is free.

Is this test only for children? Is it available for adults too?

No. Adults can be tested and diagnosed with ADHD at any age. In fact, about 4% of adults have ADHD symptoms. In many cases, these symptoms have been present since childhood, but may never have been recognized. If you think you may have ADHD symptoms, it's best to talk to your doctor and get tested.

Okay, now let's see how this test works.

This is not a one-step process. Doctors follow several steps to diagnose this condition, using guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR™).

The ADHD diagnosis process consists of three main steps:

1. Identifying symptoms: First, identify whether there are symptoms related to ADHD, and whether those symptoms are interfering with daily activities.

2. Excluding other causes: We look for other causes of these symptoms. For example, these symptoms can be caused by things like sleep problems, social problems, and depression.

3. Identifying other conditions (Comorbidity): We look for other conditions that coexist with ADHD, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, intellectual disabilities, or mood disorders.

During an ADHD evaluation, you can expect things like:

• Medical examination: A medical, physical, or neurodevelopmental examination is performed to determine if ADHD symptoms (attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity) are present.
• Questionnaires and information collection: Specific questionnaires (rating scales) and other sources of information are used to see if the child or you meet standard criteria.
• Interview: Asking about the child's behavior in various settings, such as at home and at school.

To diagnose ADHD, doctors look specifically at these factors.

Are there other conditions that look like ADHD?

Yes. To accurately diagnose ADHD, your doctor will need to rule out other conditions that could be causing these symptoms. Here are some other conditions that can be mistaken for ADHD.

What happens before and after the test?

How to prepare for the test?

When you go for the exam, bring a list of all the medications you or your child are currently taking. Also, be prepared to answer questions about family health history, personal health history, school or work performance, and behavior. Dress comfortably, as you may also be given a physical exam.

What to expect during the test?

• Answering questions: You will need to talk to the doctor about your or your child's health history, symptoms, and behaviors.
• A questionnaire: You can have one or more questionnaires filled out. You may also have family, friends, or teachers fill out questionnaires.
• Physical examination: A general physical examination is performed to rule out other medical conditions.
• Observing the child: If the test is being performed on your child, the doctor will spend some time with the child to observe their behavior.

How long does the test take?

An ADHD evaluation typically takes one to three hours . However, a complete evaluation can take longer because the doctor needs to gather information from multiple sources (parents, teachers). If additional tests are needed to rule out other conditions, it can take days or even weeks.

What are the results after the test?

Because ADHD testing is a multi-step process, results can vary. You or your child may be diagnosed with another condition, such as anxiety or depression, instead of ADHD.

If you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD, your doctor may diagnose you with one of four main types of ADHD:

• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type: Those who exhibit hyperactive/impulsive traits for at least 6 months, but cannot be diagnosed as "inattentive."
• Predominantly inattentive type: Previously called ADD, this is someone who has had attention problems for at least 6 months but is not diagnosed as hyperactive/impulsive.
• Combined type: Those who exhibit both ADHD symptoms (inattentiveness and hyperactivity) for at least 6 months. The majority of children with ADHD fall into this type.
• Other specified/unspecified ADHD: People who have attention problems but do not meet all the criteria required to be given a full ADHD diagnosis.

How long it takes to get the test results depends on how many more tests the doctor does before making a diagnosis. You can find out more about this by asking your doctor.

If you're feeling anxious or nervous about getting tested for ADHD, remember that this is a treatable condition that many people have. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve your quality of life. So if you think you or your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor today. They're here to help.

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