Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that has no specific medical or laboratory test for diagnosis. The common characteristics of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Since 2006, ADHD has been diagnosed in approximately 4.5 million children ages 5 to17. The disorder affects more boys than girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ADHD diagnosis generally includes a battery of tests that involve contributions from individuals close to the child in order to perform a complete evaluation.
Medical Evaluation
A full medical evaluation by a family doctor or pediatrician is generally the first step in diagnosing ADHD. The healthcare professional will take a full medical history and consider family history and medications when evaluating a child. Genetics play an integral part when diagnosing ADHD. A child has a 25 to 35 percent chance of predisposition if a family member received a diagnosis of ADHD, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
The medical evaluation will consist of laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, hearing and vision test to rule out any other medical conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three children has a coexisting condition that mimics the same symptoms of ADHD. Conditions that show similar symptoms to ADHD include learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Autism and sleep disorders.
Parent and Teacher Questionnaires
Parent and teacher involvement in the diagnosis of a child with ADHD is important. During a medical office visit, children with ADHD are not in the office long enough to exhibit the hyperactive behavior to assist a medical professional with a diagnosis. Questionnaires are a key tool that include a broad spectrum of questions intended to highlight how the child's behavior differs in home and at school.
The Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scale test for children addresses psychopathology, inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, learning problems, executive functioning, aggression, peer and family relations, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, according to Multi-Health Systems.
The Burks Behavior Rating Scale tests children on a scale of 1 to 5 in areas of disruptive behavior, emotional problems, social withdrawal, ability deficits, physical deficits, weak self-confidence and attention and impulse control problems, according to Multi-Health Systems.
The Vanderbilt Parent and Teacher Assessment Scales are in two separate sections: symptoms and performance. The assessment tests the frequency and level of a particular occurrence. Once completed, the score is calculated and the ADHD subtype of predominately hyperactive-impulsive, predominately inattentive or combination type is distinguishable, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Psychological Evaluation
A clinical evaluation performed by a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist is essential in putting the pieces together during the ADHD diagnosis. The specialist combines all the evaluations performed by family members, school and medical professionals to decipher the ADHD symptoms of the child. If required, the specialist will perform additional psychological evaluations such as the Conners' Continuous Performance Test to evaluate impulsivity and inattention in depth and the Integrated Visual and Auditory assessment to assist with the diagnosis.
If a specialist diagnosis the child with ADHD, a treatment plan will be set up to include behavioral therapy, parenting education sessions and medication if required.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) Fact Sheet
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children-Tests and Diagnosis
- Multi-Health Systems: Conners 3
- Multi-Health Systems: Burks Behavior Rating Scale, Second Edition
