We often come across statements such as "In an interview, I was told that my child had attention deficit and mobility without any tests or examinations." "Every child who is active and talkative is diagnosed as hyperactive, every child who has low academic success or gets bored in class is diagnosed with attention deficit." When evaluating a child or adolescent for ADHD, we use certain criteria and methods that are scientifically accepted all over the world. In this way, we aim to prevent incorrect or unnecessary diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD, we most commonly use the DSM-5 criteria published by the American Psychiatric Association. According to DSM-5, symptoms indicating that the child has attention deficit; These include being easily distracted, making mistakes due to carelessness, difficulty completing tasks that require attention (homework, exams), avoiding tasks that require attention (writing, reading), forgetfulness and losing things. For hyperactivity and impulsivity, these are fidgeting, not being able to sit for long periods of time, running-climbing, not being able to play calmly, talking too much, interrupting and not being able to wait one's turn. It is not necessary to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. The number of symptoms required varies depending on the age of the child. Symptoms must have been present before the age of 12. Symptoms must be observed in at least two of the child and young person's school, home and friend environment. In order to make a diagnosis, the symptoms must be severe enough to cause problems, not "sometimes, as in every child". Depending on the symptoms, there must be a negative impact on academic, social and individual development.
When a child or young person applies for examination, we try to get information from as many different sources as possible (family, child, teacher, guidance service, even previous teacher). .
We collect detailed data about the difficulties encountered in the period from the pregnancy period to the period of application to us, the course of the symptoms of the disorder, and the family's solution efforts. During the psychiatric interview with the child and young person, we make them do activities such as playing games, reading, writing, mathematical problem solving and make observations in order to get an idea about the symptoms of attention deficit, mobility and impulsivity. Whether ADHD symptoms are caused by a physical disorder (such as thyroid disease, anemia) or another mental disorder (such as depression, anxiety, substance use), We evaluate whether it is not. When we suspect a physical disease, we may request the necessary medical examinations or refer you to the relevant specialist physician. There is no physical examination (such as blood test, EEG) required to diagnose ADHD.
When diagnosing ADHD, we give forms and scales that family members, the child or young person, and their teachers must fill out. Through these forms and scales, we can reach different people's observations and thoughts about the child. We also evaluate the change in ADHD symptoms and response to treatment by having the same forms and scales filled out again during follow-ups. We can apply psychological tests (such as intelligence test, attention test) if they will contribute to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. There is no need to have a psychological test to diagnose ADHD.
As a result; We diagnose whether ADHD is present by evaluating the information received from the family and school, our observations during the psychiatric examination, the results of the psychological test applied, and the data we obtain from forms and scales related to ADHD.
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