ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ a variety of tools to gather information about and observe 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 a vital component of the complete assessment process used to evaluate, screen the severity of a condition, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD tests include a thorough interview with the person being evaluated. A clinician like a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will ask about the patient's history and current symptoms. Many evaluators utilize standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research comparing the behaviors of those with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves but they do add crucial, objective data to the assessment. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be evaluated using the standard ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale. The doctor will employ a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This will check for other disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also look at the person's previous and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records and gather information about the person's environment and family. For example, the evaluator will ask about whether the patient's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
These tests can be extremely helpful to the evaluator, especially if the diagnosis is not clear. However they aren't able to provide the utility as the primary tool for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems in their sensitivity and specificity. They don't take into account the variety of adult life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful information about how the brain functions for a short period of time. However, the results are only useful in diagnosing certain types of injuries and illnesses that affect the brain. They do not accurately reflect the way the brain functions in everyday situations, such as school, at work, and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a specialist in mental health who has experience in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. The best method to locate such a person is through a referral from the doctor, therapist or other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused and retaining self-control. This can lead to problems at work, school or in personal relationships. It is also difficult to cope with daily stressors. If not treated, ADHD symptoms may cause severe consequences like job loss, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must have symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in everyday life, and must be present prior to the age of 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having difficulty remembering things. One may also exhibit poor organization skills or have difficulties following instructions and keeping track of many tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This kind of ADHD can also cause a person to struggle with waiting for their turn or interrupting others.
These signs are typically seen in children at the time they begin school. They may have difficulty in school due to the demands of academics and may become frustrated with their inability to organize or concentration. They can also experience difficulty with interpersonal relationships since they are more prone to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood, leading to difficulties at work, in romantic relationships, and with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to be successful or there's something wrong with them. It is important to realize that ADHD is not a sign that you aren't smarter or capable.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care physician or mental health professional will conduct an extensive assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They will also interview your partner as well as other family members and your friends. To assess your symptoms, they will utilize scales of behavior ratings and symptom lists. They will also examine your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests in order to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. You may be worried about the ever-present snow day or even the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your child simply lazy or does she have an issue that is easier to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is vital. You must determine if the problem is caused by excessive screen time, bad parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
Typically, an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and use of checklists and scales for rating. Doctors will ask about the person's history of health, their development back to childhood academic and work experiences and driving history as well as family and marital relationships. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It's important that he or she not repress the issue due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will help the examiner to understand how ADHD affects daily life and offer solutions.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established there must be a variety of signs that must have appeared before the age of 12 and have been "impairing" at least in two major environments, such as school or at home. The impairment goes beyond being a bit forgetful or having difficulty managing assignments and homework; it's being dismissed from a job because of tardiness, failing to complete an assignment on time, or causing conflict and distress in a marriage.
Many doctors interview both the patient and loved ones, like a spouse, sibling, or parent. They may also ask opinions from those who spend a great deal of time with the patient, like a coach or nanny. This type of personal insight often provides information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct a physical examination and run laboratory tests, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying cause, like a mood disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental history, evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance, as well as contacting teachers, family members and other family members to get an overall picture of how the individual operates in various environments.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain patients are prescribed medication to help improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsiveness. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medicines that take longer time to effect results, but they can help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of the majority of treatment plans, especially for children. For example, the therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or use mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Family or marital counseling could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills which can help them cope with their issues at home and at work.
Additionally, many people with ADHD can manage their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It is also beneficial to ask for assistance from family and friends, sign up to a support group or take part in an ADHD Coach training program which will teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. get adhd assessment who are diagnosed with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for medication checkups, to help them to understand the effectiveness of their treatment and to deal with any side effects. GPs can also refer people with ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and diagnosis.