ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Instead, experts employ various instruments to collect information about and observe the symptoms of a person.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an essential part of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to evaluate, screen the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD tests include a thorough interview with the person who is being evaluated. A clinical professional, such as a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will inquire about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not. They aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they add important objective data to the evaluation. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The doctor will employ the same checklist for behavioral checks for adults and children. This is to check for other conditions that may occur alongside ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator also looks at the person's past and current medication. In addition, the clinician will go through medical records and gather background information about the person's family and surroundings. For example, the evaluator will ask whether the person's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what their symptoms were.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator in determining ADHD especially when there is some doubt regarding the diagnosis. These tests aren't useful as the main tool to determine ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They also don't reflect the variety of situations that adults face.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging provides useful information about how the brain works during a the short time. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries or illnesses. They do not accurately represent how the brain performs in everyday situations like school, work and relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental health who has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best method to locate an expert.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause issues at work, school or in personal relationships. It is also difficult to cope with daily frustrations. As a result, untreated ADHD symptoms can result in the loss of a job, broken friendships, and other serious consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must last throughout the adolescent years and into childhood. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally and must be present prior the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. The person could also display poor organizational skills or have trouble following directions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. A person with this type of ADHD may also have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting other people.
Children typically exhibit these kinds of ADHD symptoms as they enter school. They can struggle in class because of academic demands and can get frustrated with their lack of focus or organization abilities. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood, causing problems at work and in romantic relationships as well as with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to be successful or that something is wrong with them. However, it is important to realize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less smart or skilled.
Your primary care physician or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They will also interview your partner and other family members and friends. To evaluate your symptoms, they will employ scales for behavior and lists of symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and educational background. They may also refer to you for a physical exam or psychological tests in order to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child has been struggling at school. It could be the most dreadful "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but you don't really know what it means. Is your kid just lazy or is there an issue that is easier to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. It is essential to determine if the problem is due to excessive screen time, poor parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general the general case, an ADHD assessment involves an interview and a review of symptoms and the use of scales for rating or checklists. getting assessed for adhd will inquire about the person's history of health, their development back to childhood academic and work experiences, driving history and family and marital relationships. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential that the person being evaluated doesn't hide behind embarrassment, or fearful of being judged. This will allow the examiner to understand how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and suggest solutions.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established, a number of symptoms must have manifested before age of 12 and be "impairing" at least in two main environments, such as school or at home. It's not just about being forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also mean being dismissed from a job for tardiness or inability to complete a task in time, or creating stress and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors will interview the patient along with the loved ones (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may also solicit feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patient -- such as an nanny, coach, or religious leader. This type of personal insight often uncovers information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychologists also conduct physical examinations and laboratory tests like blood and urinary testing to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying cause, like an anxiety disorder or another physical illness that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the patient's mental and medical history, evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance, and contacting teachers, family members and other caregivers to obtain an accurate picture of how the individual operates in various environments.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Certain people are prescribed medication to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medicines that take longer time to work, but can enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also part of many treatment plans, especially for children. For instance, a counselor might help them learn organizational strategies to make it easier for them to keep track of their belongings, or they might engage in mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Marital or family counseling can also be helpful for adults with ADHD, as it helps them develop the skills of communication and problem-solving that will help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Many people who suffer from ADHD will also find that they can manage their symptoms if they consume a balanced diet and get enough sleep and exercise, as well as reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be helpful to seek support from family and friends, join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. Individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD must visit their GP regularly for medication checkups, to help them know how their treatment is working and to address any side effects. GPs may refer people with ADHD for further evaluation or diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.