ADHD Test for Children

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is basically a neurological disorder which is commonly seen to affect children. Children suffering from this disorder are hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. They are fidgety and tend to get distracted easily. Since this condition affects children, parents and teachers must have some idea about the symptoms of ADHD in children. Awareness about the symptoms of ADHD must be created so that this condition can be diagnosed early. In absence of medical intervention, the symptoms might persist through teenage and adulthood. Wondering how this condition is diagnosed? Is there a specific test for diagnosing ADHD in children? What are the diagnosis guidelines used in ADHD test for children? Let's find out about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

Causes and Symptoms of ADHD

It is believed that ADHD might be caused due to structural abnormality in the brain. Behavioral modification or changes that are seen in children suffering from ADHD could be caused due to the malfunctioning of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Causes of ADHD also include traumatic brain injury or an exposure to environmental toxins such as lead or polychlorinated biphenyl. Exposure to toxins during pregnancy could also increase the risk. Women who take drugs or smoke during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with ADHD. It might be attributed to faulty genes as well. If this condition runs in the family, there is a greater likelihood of children getting affected by this disorder.

Children suffering from ADHD generally display signs of inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsiveness in various ways. They have a very short attention span and get easily distracted. Since they are unable to focus on anything for a long time, they switch from one activity to another frequently and leave most of their tasks unfinished. They generally avoid the tasks that require sustained mental effort. Hyperactivity in such children is manifested through fidgeting. Children with ADHD are quite impulsive. This attribute of theirs might be seen in the classroom, when they blurt out answers even before the teacher completes the sentence. While playing games, such children might have problems while waiting for their turn. They might distract the other students or often get into fights.

Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD

How is ADHD diagnosed? Do doctors diagnose this condition by using a particular test? I am sure that those of you who are looking for information on ADHD testing might have come across certain checklists, questionnaires or screening tests for ADHD on Internet. Though you could take a free AHDH test for children on Internet, you must not completely rely on them. The best way this condition can be diagnosed is through a medical examination. Instead of answering a series of questions given in a free online test for ADHD, you must seek the help of a psychotherapist. Though parents can take the free ADHD test, the diagnosis might be subjective. The tolerance levels of people is different, therefore only a qualified psychotherapist can judge the situation correctly. A psychotherapist will observe the child's behavior and try to find out if specific ADHD symptoms are exhibited by the child or not. Generally doctors use diagnosis guidelines as per DSM-IV. DSM-IV is a psychiatric diagnostic manual that is referred for framing questionnaires or symptoms checklist used in diagnostic tests for ADHD. Only when the child is diagnosed with this condition, doctors will look for the suitable ADHD treatment options. They might recommend the use of ADHD medication. Parents will also be asked to learn behavior modification techniques for ADHD so as to correct the child's behavior. A long term treatment plan that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, use of prescription drugs and dietary changes can surely help in managing the symptoms of this condition.

Though most of the children might experience some of the symptoms once in a while, if a child has a very short attention span and is extremely fidgety, you could take an online test. You must also find out more on how he/she behaves in the classroom. A study of the behavior of ADHD kids in the classroom can also help in the diagnosis. If you get complaints from the school every now and then, consult a psychotherapist to find out if your child is suffering from ADHD or not.