Evidence-based Assessment of ADHD in Children Essay

Evidence-based Assessment of ADHD in Children - Essay Example negatively affect the child’s academic performance and self-esteem including the child’s relationship with family members and friends (Hoza et al., 2005; Hazelwood, Bovingdon, & Tiemens, 2002). ADHD can also lead to behavioural problems which often make the child unable to socialize with other people (Kerns et al., 2001). In rare cases, Fleischmann et al. (2005) found out that approximately 20.8% of the suicidal cases in young people have disruptive behaviour disorder which is related to ADHD. In the absence of proper treatment such as medicine and behavioural therapy, children with ADHD could cause behavioural problems not only at home but also in school, work, and relationship with the opposite sex. Eventually, the negative effects of ADHD could cause a child to become depressed, frustrated, or engage with the use of illegal drugs if left untreated. To effectively provide children with ADHD with proper treatment, early detection of ADHD is important. Concerning the increasing number of ADHD throughout the United Kingdom, this study will focus on assessing some of the evidenced-based assessment method used in detecting ADHD in children. In the process of going through the main discussion, evidences behind the psychological assessment of ADHD in children will be evaluated. As part of assessing whether a child has ADHD, medical professionals would often use analogue methods such as conduct an interview with the child, go through the patient’s medical history which includes issues related to social, emotional, educational, and behaviour of the child, physical exam, and the use of behaviour rating and/or checklist in detecting ADHD (Kooij et al., 2008; Parker & Benedict, 2002; ; Forbes, 2001; Barkley, 1991). Likewise, laboratory measures such as the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Gordon Diagnostic System – a self-contained computer device can also be utilized in detecting symptoms of ADHD (Kelley, Noell, & Reitman, 2002, p. 28; Barkley,