ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD. Instead, specialists use different tools to solicit information about and evaluate the signs of an individual.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an important element of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to evaluate, screen the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being assessed. A clinician such as a psychologist doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The doctor will inquire about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research studies that compare behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they add important objective information to the evaluation. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both adults and children the clinician may also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. It will look for other conditions that often co-occur with ADHD for example, conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also look at the person's previous and current medication. The clinician will also review medical records, and gather information about the person's family and environment. For example the evaluator would inquire whether the person's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what the symptoms they experienced were like.
These tests can be very helpful to the evaluator particularly when the diagnosis isn't clear. However these tests are not of much use as the sole tool for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems with their sensitivity and specificity. They don't take into account the complexity of daily situations that adults have to face.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful information on how the brain functions over just a few minutes. The results are useful only for diagnosing certain kinds of brain injuries and diseases. They do not accurately reflect how the brain performs in everyday situations, such as school, work and relationships.
It is best to consult an expert in mental healthcare who has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best method to locate such an individual.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to focus and maintaining self-control. This can cause issues at work, school or in relationships. It is also difficult to deal with everyday frustrations. Untreated ADHD symptoms may cause severe consequences like the loss of a job, friendships broken and many other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must be present throughout the adolescent and childhood years. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in normal life, and must have been present before age 12 years old.
Inattention and impulsivity are the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. getting an assessment for adhd include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having difficulty remembering things. The person could also display poor organizational skills or have difficulty following directions and focusing on multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This type of ADHD can also cause a person be unable to wait their turn or interrupting others.
These symptoms are often present in children when they first begin school. They may struggle in school because of academic demands and may become frustrated by their lack of focus or organization abilities. They can also experience difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, which can lead to problems at work as well as in romantic relationships as well as with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to be successful or that something is wrong with them. But it's important to understand that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less intelligent or capable.
To diagnose ADHD the primary care provider or mental health professional will carry out a thorough assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. To assess the severity of your symptoms, they employ scales for behavior and symptom lists. They will also review the medical history and education. They might also recommend you undergo a physical examination or take psychological tests to rule out other health issues.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. It could be due to the dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but aren't sure what it is. Are your children lazy, or does he have an issue that's easier to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to understand whether your problems are the result of excessive screen time, bad parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine if an ADHD assessment is appropriate for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment involves an interview as well as a review of the symptoms and the use of scales for rating or checklists. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's medical history, their development in childhood and their professional and academic experiences, driving records, and their family and marital history. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the subject matter openly and honestly. It is important that the person who is being evaluated does not hide from embarrassment or because of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to understand how ADHD affects daily life and recommend treatment options.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD there must be a number of symptoms that be present prior to age 12, and must be "impairing" in at least two of the major environments, like home or school. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble keeping up with assignments; it's getting fired from a job for tardiness, failing to complete a project on time or causing conflict and stress in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient and a loved one (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend an extended period of time with the patient -for example, an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This kind of personal insight often provides information that cannot be obtained from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests, to rule out possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A doctor can do an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or a physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental background, analyzing past and present behavior, as well as school performance, as well as contacting family members, teachers and other caregivers to obtain an overall picture of how the individual operates in various environments.
People with ADHD typically benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain people are prescribed medications to help improve concentration and focus and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications which take longer time to take effect, but may improve attention skills such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of many treatment plans, particularly for children. For example, the therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their things or practice mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them manage their time. Marital or family counseling can be beneficial for adults with ADHD, as it teaches them communication and problem-solving skills which can help them cope with their challenges at the workplace and at home.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also discover that they can lessen their symptoms if they eat a balanced diet and get enough rest and exercise. They should also cut down on the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be helpful to seek out support from your family and friends, enroll in an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training program which can teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. People with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to understand how their treatment works and to address any possible adverse effects. Doctors can refer patients with ADHD for further evaluation or a diagnosis to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists.