The cause of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is yet unknown although various theories have already surfaced. Links to genetics are the most prevalent, especially with families having multiple conditions of the disorder.
The fact that the cause of the disorder cannot be pointed out could meant that a 100% fool-proof test hasn’t been devised yet. Tests analyzing the symptoms that may signify the condition are the ones used to get a diagnosis of this disorder.
If you are currently contemplating whether your child has ADHD/ADD or not, here are the tests you should expect to reach a near-perfect diagnosis.
Self-test
First of all, it might be ideal to initially test the child yourself for ADD/ADHD. Although a physician is the only one who could make a ADD/ADHD diagnosis official, there are still symptoms that you won’t fail to notice once they become obvious. See if your child is displaying the following symptoms:
- not paying attention even when spoken to
- reluctance to engage in activities that require too much mental work
- failure to finish activities started
- failure to stay in one place even when ordered specifically
- constant fidgeting and squirming.
- excessive talking
- blurting out answers before a question is finished
- failure to wait for his or her turn.
If these signs are prevalent in your child and are constantly done by him or her even in different environments (school, home, etc.), then chances are he or she has ADD/ADHD. However, this does not automatically confirm the condition, especially since some factors may also be involved in the determination of the disorder. Ideally, you should bring your child to a doctor if you have noticed that these events are occurring more often.
DSM-IV criteria
The DSM-IV criteria consist of various situations that root from the three main symptoms of ADD/ADHD, namely inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. The physician will start evaluation using these three symptoms and focusing on specific situations resembling the statements mentioned during the self-test part. However, their questions will dig deeper and be more specific in order to understand whether the child is really suffering from ADD/ADHD, a different mental problem, or simply reacting to stress and depression.
Aside from the tests, the physician will also be interviewing the child as well as the people who interact with the child on a daily basis. This includes parents, teachers, or even family relatives. It will be determined whether the child shows these symptoms in all environments and not just a specific one. The DSM-IV criteria also state that the signs of ADD/ADHD must already be noticeable before the child reaches seven years old.
T.O.V.A
T.O.V.A. (Test of Variables of Attention) is a computer test that measures inattention and response times of a person as well as impulsivity. Used as a tool for finding out the results of medication, T.O.V.A is highly accurate and an entertaining way to diagnose whether children have ADD/ADHD or not. However, the test is only an aid and not a fool-proof method in diagnosing this kind of disorder.
WRAT
WRAT (Wide Range Achievement Test) is used to check whether a child has a learning disability or not. It focuses on reading, spelling, and arithmetic skills. Like T.O.V.A, WRAT is merely an aid and is not really used as an absolute basis for diagnosis.
As determined by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, other most often used tests for ADD/ADHD diagnosis include:
- Conners Parent and Teacher Training Scales
- Barkley School Situations Questionnaire
- Barkley Home Situations Questionnaire
- Parent-completed Child Behavior Checklist
- ADD-H: Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale
- Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist
The fact is that diagnosis of ADD/ADHD takes time and various tests are utilized to ensure that a wrong diagnosis does not occur. This is very important since the symptoms of ADD/ADHD may also be mistaken for other mental problems like autism.
Arriving at the right diagnosis will allow parents to face the condition and take the necessary steps to alleviate the symptoms on the child. Currently, ADD/ADHD may now be treated with various medications that temper down the impulsiveness in a child. Therapy is also available to better hone a child’s focus and allow him or her to adjust to the disorder.
Self- test exceptions
One thing you should know, though, when performing the self-test, are some exceptions. Even if your child is not hyperactive, it doesn’t mean that he or she does not have ADD/ADHD. The truth is that the disorder is divided into three different subtypes namely: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and the combination of both. Although the latter is the most common type, there are still children who are not hyperactive but still suffer from ADD/ADHD. For this reason, it would be best to consult a specialist for your child’s condition even if he or she is not displaying all the symptoms of the disorder.
Children with ADD/ADHD can grow up and adjust perfectly well to their environment. All they need are caring people who will be willing to guide them through their early years.