How to Screen for ADHD

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, occurs in both children and adults. Many people go undiagnosed because ADHD resembles several other disorders, including autism and anxiety. There is no single screening test for ADHD--diagnosis is based on behavior patterns and by eliminating other possible disorders. If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it is important to get screened and treated. There are several treatments for ADHD that help patients manage their symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Log or journal of symptoms
• Medical history

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Instructions

• 1

  If you suspect that your child has ADHD, begin keeping a record of her behavior and symptoms. Symptoms must occur for at least six months before a diagnosis can be made.

  If you suspect that you have ADHD, begin keeping a record of your behavior and symptoms. If you get input on your behavior from employers, co-workers, friends and family members, add that, too.

• 2

  Look for symptoms of attention issues such as fidgeting, inability to organize tasks, excessive talking, bad temper or forgetfulness. In adults, these symptoms may manifest as restlessness or unstable relationships. If these symptoms continue for more than six months and interfere with your life or the life of your child, it is time to make an appointment with a health-care professional.

• 3

  Make sure that the health-care provider you are seeing is qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD. This may be a family doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a neurologist. Be sure to bring your six-month log and medical history with you to the appointment.

• 4

  Get tested to rule out other disorders. Other conditions that might be confused with ADHD or may occur with ADHD include anxiety, depression, autism and learning disorders.