Taking an adhd test online should not be considered as a diagnostic tool
When you search the Internet for an adhd test online you will be sure to find numerous sites that offer this quiz. They are comprised of a series of questions that the mental health experts customarily ask as part and parcel of the evaluation process. Each question will have various possible answers to check ranging from ‘never' to ‘always'. Depending upon the behavior of your child you select the answer that best corresponds. Upon completing the quiz the results are usually rendered immediately and indicate whether the behavior is indicative of ADD/ADHD or not.
Although the test is comprised of the same questions that the specialist will address during the evaluation process it is important to understand that they are not intended as a diagnostic tool. Their sole purpose is to determine whether the behavior and symptoms suggest ADD/ADHD or not. If the test comes back as indicating that your child might have ADD/ADHD it is important that you consult with a professional so that the child can be properly assessed and treatment can commence.
On the other hand you might receive results that indicate your child's behavior is not indicative of the disorder but you still feel that there is reason for concern. In that case it is important to trust your instincts and still have the child assessed. Although an adhd test online can be very useful it is not sufficient for determining whether the child is in fact ADD/ADHD. The reason for this is because there is no single test that can be conducted to determine or diagnose ADD/ADHD. In order for a diagnosis to be made a thorough evaluation is necessary and this involves a number of professionals and takes some time as well.
In order for your child to be assessed for the purpose of determining whether or not they have ADD/ADHD they will need to meet certain criteria:
- The symptoms they have displayed must be evident from a young age. Most children are diagnosed with this disorder once they start attending school. It is more difficult to diagnose ADD/ADHD in a very young child because many of the associated symptoms of the disorder form part of a young child's normal habits and development. For instance, all young children are inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive at times without this meaning that they are therefore ADHD. When the child reaches school going age the symptoms are easier to identify given the higher pressure and demands placed upon them in the school environment.
- The symptoms must have been present and noticeable for six months or longer. If the symptoms have only recently manifested it is likely that there is another explanation and that the child is not ADHD. Also, the symptoms need to be present in various areas of your child's life and not just in one. This means that they need to exhibit the symptoms not only at school but at home as well.
- Other possible explanations for the behavior and symptoms need to be ruled out. For instance if you child has recently switched schools, if there has been a death in the family, or if there has been a divorce these can produce behavior and symptoms that can be easily confused with those of ADHD.
- Your child will also need to undergo a thorough medical examination to rule out any possible medical conditions or issues that might account for their apparently ADHD behavior. Such medical conditions include hormonal issues and even infections.
- Once the child has undergone the medical exam and any other possible causes for the symptoms have been ruled out there will be a period of observation that will commence. Only when your child has been thoroughly assessed and evaluated will the diagnosis of ADHD be made.
If you suspect that your child has ADD/ADHD it is advisable to take an adhd test online but remember that this is only the first step in the process and certainly cannot take the place of a proper diagnosis by a suitably trained expert.
