ADHD Assessments
There is currently no one test that can be used to determine if one has ADHD. Instead, specialists employ different tools to gather information and assess 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 evaluation process that is required to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being evaluated. A professional such as a psychologist doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The clinician will inquire with the person about their history and current symptoms. A lot of evaluators utilize standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD and those who do not. They are not diagnostic in themselves, but add important, objective information to the assessment. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be evaluated using an established ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both children and adults the doctor will also utilize a behavioral checklist. This will check for other disorders that often co-occur with ADHD, such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also look at the person's medical history and current medications. The doctor will also look over medical records, and gather information about the person's family and environment. For example the evaluator might inquire about whether the person's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what their symptoms were.
These tests can be very beneficial to the examiner particularly if the diagnosis is not clear. However, these tests have limited effectiveness as the main method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems with their sensitivity and specificity. They don't accurately reflect the complexity of daily situations that adults face.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful information on how the brain works for only a brief period of time. However the results are useful for diagnosing certain kinds of illnesses and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately reflect the way the brain functions in everyday situations like at work, school and in relationships.
It is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the evaluation and management of ADHD. The best way to find this type of person is via an appointment with a doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and retaining self-control. This can cause issues at school, work or in relationships with friends. It can also be difficult to cope with daily frustrations. Untreated ADHD symptoms may result in serious consequences such as loss of employment, broken friendships and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must persist through the adolescent years and into childhood. These symptoms must also interfere in their ability to function normally and have been present prior to the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include trouble staying on task, missing important information, and having trouble remembering things. A person may also show poor organization skills or have difficulties following directions 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. People with this kind of ADHD might also have difficulty being patient or interrupting others.
These signs are typically seen in children as they start school. They may have difficulty in school due to academic demands and may become frustrated with their inability to organize themselves or focus. They may also have difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to rage.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, which can lead to difficulties at work as well as in romantic relationships as well as with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They may believe they are not competent enough to succeed or that something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD doesn't mean you aren't smarter or capable.
To diagnose ADHD the primary care physician or mental health professional will carry out an extensive evaluation. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview your partner, other family members, and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also review the medical history and education. They might also refer you to physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling in school. It could be because of the most dreadful "snow day" or perhaps you're worried about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD, but you don't know what it means -- is your child simply lazy or is she suffering from an issue that is easier to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine whether the issues are caused by too much 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 the process of an ADHD evaluation involves an interview, review of symptoms and the use of rating scales and checklists. Doctors will ask about the person's past health, developmental progress going back to childhood, academic and work experience, driving history and family and marital relationships. The examiner will look for other issues like learning disabilities and anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential to not repress the issue due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will help the examiner to comprehend how ADHD affects daily life and offer treatment options.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established the symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and be "impairing" at least in two main situations like home or school. The impairment goes beyond being forgetful or having trouble keeping up with assignments and homework; it's being dismissed from a job due to tardiness, failing to complete a project on time or causing tension and discord in a marriage.
Many doctors will speak with the patient as well as a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may also ask for feedback from people who spend a lot of time with the patient -for example, a coach, nanny or a religious leader. This kind of personal insight will reveal information that can't be obtained through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also conduct physical examinations and lab tests like blood and urinary testing to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A health care provider may conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is a root reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical issue that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental histories, analyzing their behavior in the past and present as well as their school performance. It also includes contacting family teachers, parents, and other caregivers in order to get complete information about the person’s functioning in different settings.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain patients are prescribed medications to improve focus and concentration, and decrease the impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to effect results, but they can improve attention skills such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans incorporate behavioral therapy, especially those for children. how to get a adhd assessment can teach them organization strategies to help them keep the track of their activities or practice mindfulness meditation to improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Family or marriage counseling is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It helps them develop problem-solving and communication skills which will assist them in dealing with their challenges both at home and at work.
Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD can lessen their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek out support from family and friends or join a support group or participate in an ADHD coach training program which can provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to understand how their treatment is working and to be aware of any possible side effects. The GP can also refer patients with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists for further evaluation and diagnosis.