ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether an individual suffers from ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather data 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 crucial part of the comprehensive assessment process, which is needed to screen, evaluate the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments require a thorough interview between the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. A professional such as a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will ask about the person's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right however they provide important objective information to the evaluation. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent Report form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both children and adults, the clinician will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This looks for other conditions that are often co-occurring with ADHD for example, conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also look at the person's history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather background information on the person's environment and family. For instance the evaluator might inquire about whether the person's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests may provide valuable information to aid the evaluator in diagnosing ADHD particularly when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. These tests are not useful as the primary tool to diagnose ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the variety of the situations that adults encounter in everyday life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful information about how the brain works 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 how the brain operates in everyday life like school, work and relationships.
For a more accurate diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is skilled in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. The best way to find this type of person is via an appointment with an therapist, doctor or any other professional.
Symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at school, at work or in relationships. It is also difficult to cope with daily stressors. Untreated ADHD symptoms could cause serious consequences such as the loss of a job, friendships broken and many other negative outcomes.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit symptoms that last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in daily life, and have been present prior to age 12 years old.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, missing important information, and having difficulty remembering things. A person may also show inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulty following instructions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once.
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 be unable to wait their turn or interrupting others.
These symptoms are often present in children when they first start school. They may struggle in school due to the demands of school and may become frustrated by their lack of concentration or organization abilities. They also may have difficulty with interpersonal relationships since they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue into adulthood, leading to difficulties at work and in romantic relationships and with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, believing they're not smart enough to achieve success or there's something wrong with them. It is important to realize that ADHD is not a sign that you are less intelligent or able.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, your primary care provider or mental health professional will carry out an exhaustive examination. They will inquire about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. They will also interview your partner as well as other family members and even your family members. To assess your symptoms, they will use behavior ratings scales and symptom lists. They will also review the medical history as well as your education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child has struggled in school. It could be the often-dreaded "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but aren't sure what it is. Is your child just lazy, or does she have a problem that's more easily to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine whether your problems are caused by excessive screen time, inadequate parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family physician can help you decide if an ADHD assessment is the right one 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 inquire about the person's history of health, development going back to childhood as well as work and academic experience, driving history and marital and family relationships. The examiner will check for any other conditions like mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is crucial that the person being evaluated does not be hesitant due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. adhd assessment glasgow will allow the examiner understand how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and recommend solutions.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, a number of symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and must be "impairing" at least in two major situations like home or school. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble managing assignments or being fired from a job for inattention, not completing a project on time or causing conflict and distress in a relationship.
Many doctors will speak with the patient as well as the loved ones (spouse or sibling for children) and may seek feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patient -like an nanny, coach, or religious leader. This kind of personal information often uncovers information that can't be obtained from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, such as urine and blood tests to rule out possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider may conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine whether there is an underlying reason, such as a mood condition or another physical condition that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person’s medical and mental history, as well as evaluating their behavior in the past and present, and their school performance. It also includes calling family members as well as teachers and other caregivers to obtain complete information about the person's performance in different environments.
People suffering from ADHD often benefit from a variety of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Certain patients are prescribed medication to increase focus and concentration, and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to take effect, but may enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. Therapists can teach them ways to organize their lives to help them keep track of things or mindfulness meditation to help improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Family or marriage counseling is also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. It helps them develop how to solve problems and develop communication skills that will help them cope with their difficulties at home and at work.
Many people with ADHD will also find that they can reduce their symptoms by eating an appropriate diet, have enough sleep and exercise, as well as cut down on the consumption of alcohol and junk food. They might also find it beneficial to seek out support from family and friends or join a support group or participate in an ADHD coach training program which can teach them tips and tools to manage their symptoms. People with ADHD should see their GP for regular medication checkups to understand how their treatment works and to address any possible side effects. GPs can also refer people who suffer from ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist to further evaluate and diagnose.