Are you observing the hyperactive or impulsive behavior in your child? Your child might have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is a common mental illness that affects brain growth, development as well as functioning. So, if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, then you should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of ADHD. Moreover, you should also consider the ADHD test to provide them with early treatment so they live their life without ADHD and excel in each field of life. With the help of ADHD tests for kids and teens, you can better identify whether your child has ADHD or not. 

What is ADHD in kids and teens?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect every individual, including children, adolescents as well and adults. Moreover, the onset of ADHD occurs in childhood stages, but if the symptoms are left untreated, then it can persist to adulthood. Likewise, most of the symptoms of ADHD are noticeable during the teenage stage. Therefore, children and teenagers who have ADHD have to face multiple challenges in both their academic and personal lives. They also have difficulty bonding with their loved ones and others. 

Is any online ADHD test reliable?

There are multiple online tests available, but you should select the most reliable one. However, online tests can not diagnose ADHD in kids and teens. However, you can identify some symptoms of ADHD in your child or adolescent. 

What are the signs of ADHD?

Each child or teenager reacts differently to ADHD and experiences different symptoms, which are as follows:

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsive behavior
• Fidgeting behavior
• Talkative
• Difficulty in paying attention
• Sense of forgetfulness
• Sense of restlessness
• Lack of ability to make decisions
• Interruption in conversation
• Seem extremely impatient
• Careless mistakes
• Forgetfulness

ADHD symptoms in Girls vs boys

Both males and females exhibit diversity in the symptoms of ADHD. Girls are more prone to suffer from ADHD as compared to boys. Girls usually exhibit hyperactive behavior as compared to boys. They face difficulty in paying attention in the classroom and learning important things. However, in most cases, their symptoms are usually misdiagnosed or avoided. 

Furthermore, boys exhibit more hyperactive behavior as they do not sit in one place and keep showing jumpy behavior. So, if you are wondering if your child is having ADHD symptoms, then you can consider the ADHD test. 

What are the causes of ADHD in teens?

The following are the major causes of ADHD in teens:

Genetic factors 

Different studies have indicated that genes also have a major contribution to the development of ADHD in individuals. Genes are the main units of inheritance and transfer from parent to child. So, if any of the parents or siblings have the genes of ADHD, then there is a greater probability that the child will have ADHD.

Neurological changes

Different changes also occur in the brain structure and size. For example, the volume and activity of certain brain regions change, including the prefrontal cortex, which specifically regulates executive functioning. 

Similarly, the normal level of neurotransmitters also gets altered in ADHD. Dopamine and norepinephrine are the two major neurotransmitters that are affected by ADHD and interfere with the ability of focus or attention, motivation, memory, and processing of different brain functions. 

Environmental changes

Just like internal factors, multiple external stress factors can cause the development of ADHD. Some common environmental stress factors are as follows:

• Pregnancy complications
• Personal loss
• Financial loss
• Brain injury 
• Trauma

How is ADHD tested?

There is no physical test to confirm the presence of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Only mental health professionals can better evaluate and diagnose ADHD. Moreover, they consider the behavior of the child during the evaluation. During the psychological evaluation, they ask different questions of the affected children and teenagers. However, if they feel uncomfortable, then they ask their parents. 

What is the significance of the ADHD test?

With the help of ADHD tests, individuals can identify the ADHD symptoms and provide early intervention and treatment so their child gets protected from the symptoms of ADHD. With the early detection of ADHD and the treatment on an early basis, individuals can improve their personal and academic lives and strengthen their relationships. Moreover, they can also help their child to stay protected from other co-curring mental conditions, including anxiety, depression, etc.

ADHD test for kids and teens

The ADHD test for kids and teenagers involves different questions that are asked by experts, and then, based on answers, experts identify the existence of ADHD in kids and teens. 

Some common and widely asked questions are as follows:

• What is your age?

• Does your child need to pay more attention in the classroom?

• Does your child exhibit fidgeting behavior?

• Does your child take less interest in different activities?

• How often does your child exhibit anger?

• How many times does your child feel crying?

• Does your child have to struggle to initiate or complete a task?

• Does your child interrupt conversations?

• Does your child face difficulty in organizing tasks?

• Does your child get distracted easily?

• Does your child take stress more than usual?

What is the treatment of ADHD in kids and teens?

Although ADHD affects brain functioning, fortunately, it is treatable. With the help of psychiatric medications and psychotherapy, individuals can recover from ADHD.

Medications

The experts recommend medications to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Without the intake of drugs, individuals face difficulty in getting rid of their symptoms. The experts recommend the following psychiatric medications:

• Stimulants
• Non-stimulants

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is considered highly effective for the treatment of ADHD and other cognitive impairments. There are different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy. Psycotherapits guide professionals to challenge their negative thoughts and transform them into positive ones. Moreover, individuals also learn different coping skills to deal with ADHD. 

How does Advanced Health Preference Group provide you with professional mental support?

At Advanced Health Preference Group, you can find the best mental health professionals who provide the ideal assistance in getting relief from common mental health issues, including ADHD. Our mental health experts retain the knowledge and skills to deal with ADHD symptoms. Moreover, they also provide the ADHD test for kids and teens so each individual gets timely and accurate mental health support and lives a prosperous life.