This test helps parents and caregivers to identify if the child has signs that may indicate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), being a good tool to guide if it is necessary to consult a pediatrician.
ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder where the child has a pattern of characteristic signs that interfere with their development and that can negatively affect their social activities. Children with ADHD are often very restless, have difficulty following instructions, and/or cannot complete tasks.
Since ADHD symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from a more difficult stage of development, we’ve set aside a few questions that can help identify whether there really is ADHD risk. To answer the questions, use the last 6 months as a reference:
How valid is the test?
This ADHD test was developed based on the diagnostic criteria defined by the DSM-5. The DSM-5 is a manual created by the American Psychiatric Association that serves as a standard for diagnosing a variety of mental disorders and is widely used by professionals in the field of psychiatry and psychology.
Even so, the test result should not be considered a definitive diagnosis, serving only to indicate whether or not the child has warning signs that could be indicative of ADHD. The diagnosis can only be made by a psychiatrist or neuropediatrician, who, in addition to the signs presented, will also analyze the child’s behavior and history.
How to understand the result
This ADHD test can show 4 different results, according to the signs presented by the child:
- Low ADHD risk: indicates that the child does not show signs of ADHD sufficient to suspect the disorder;
- signs of hyperactivity: means that within the ADHD signs the child has a greater dominance of signs of hyperactivity;
- Signs of attention deficit: indicates that within the ADHD signs the child shows more signs of attention deficit;
- Signs of hyperactivity and attention deficit: means that within the ADHD signs the child seems to have both signs of hyperactivity and attention deficit.
Regardless of the result presented, if the child’s behavior is causing doubts in parents or caregivers, it is recommended to consult the pediatrician.
What to do if the test indicates risk of ADHD
When the test indicates a child’s risk of having ADHD, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to assess the child’s behavior. If the doctor identifies signs of concern, he may refer you to a psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor does not need to perform any type of invasive examination, it is only necessary to observe the child’s behavior at school, at home and in other areas of their daily lives. Learn about ADHD symptoms and diagnosis.
How ADHD is treated
Treatment for ADHD should always be guided by a psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist and is usually done with medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two techniques. In the case of medication, and depending on the signs presented, psychostimulants, antidepressants or antipsychotics can be used, in order to improve the child’s social interaction and performance at school.
In the case of psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is usually indicated, which is performed by a psychologist and aims to help the child to change their behavior and improve their habits of social interaction.
In the treatment of ADHD, it is also very important to involve parents, family members and all caregivers close to the child, as they will be the closest support network on a daily basis. See more details on how ADHD treatment is done.
