ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather information 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 evaluation process that is required to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the assessor and the person being assessed. The evaluation is performed by a professional such as a doctor, psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will ask about the person's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These tests are based on research studies that compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves but they do add crucial, objective data to the assessment. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent Report form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. Adults can be assessed with a 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 help to identify other conditions that may co-occur along with ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder, anxiety, and depression.
The evaluator also looks at the person's current and past medications. The doctor will also look over medical records, and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. For instance the evaluator might inquire about whether the patient's parents or other relatives suffer from ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator to diagnose ADHD, especially when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. However these tests are not of much utility as the primary instrument for determining an ADHD diagnosis due to issues in their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the complexity of situations that adults face in daily life.
A more recent test known as SPECT brain scanning provides useful information about how the brain functions for a short period of time. The results are only useful to diagnose certain kinds of brain injuries and diseases. They don't accurately reflect how the brain works in everyday situations like school, at work and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is skilled in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. The best method to locate the right person is to get an appointment with a doctor, therapist or other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can lead to problems at work, school or in relationships. It also makes it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy way. Because of this that untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to the loss of a job, broken friendships, and other serious consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD a person's symptoms must last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also interfere in their ability to function normally, and must be present prior the age of 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms could include difficulties keeping track of the task at hand, ignoring important information, or having trouble remembering. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have trouble 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. A person with this type of ADHD may also have trouble waiting their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are usually present in children as they begin school. They can struggle in class due to the demands of school and may become frustrated by their inability to concentration or organization abilities. They also may have difficulty with interpersonal relationships because they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue throughout adulthood, which can lead to difficulties at work, in romantic relationships, and even with family members. Untreated ADHD can make people feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They may believe they are not capable of achieving success or that there's something wrong with them. But it's important to understand that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less intelligent or capable.
Your primary care provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview you along with your partner, as well as other family members and friends. To assess your symptoms, they'll use behavior ratings scales and lists of symptoms. They will also go over your medical history and your education. They may also refer to you for a physical examination or psychological tests to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling at school. You might be concerned about the ever-present snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but don't know 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 if the problems are the result of excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical condition. Your family doctor can help determine if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general the general case, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview and a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, developmental progress going back to childhood, academic and work experience and driving history as well as marriage and family relations. The examiner will look for any other conditions like learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It's important that the person being evaluated does not repress the issue due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to understand how the ADHD symptoms impact daily life and to recommend treatment options.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must have been present before age 12 and must be "impairing" in at least two of the major settings such as school or at home. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble staying on task or being fired from a job for tardiness, failing to finish a project on time or causing tension and discord in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient along with the loved ones (spouse or sibling for children) and may ask for feedback from people who spend a lot of time with the patientfor example, a coach, nanny or religious leader. This type of personal insight can reveal information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's mental and medical background, analyzing past and current behavior and school performance, and contacting family members, teachers and other family members to get a more complete picture of how the individual performs in various settings.
People suffering from ADHD often benefit from a mix of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to improve concentration and focus, and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to work but also help enhance attention skills like Intuniv or Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of most treatment plans, especially for children. For example, the counselor might help them learn ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to keep track of 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 people suffering from ADHD because it teaches them how to communicate and problem-solve which can 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 well balanced meals, get enough rest, exercise and reduce their intake of junk food and alcohol. It may also be helpful to seek support from friends and family or join a support organization or participate in an ADHD coach training program that will teach them tips and tools for managing their symptoms. Read Much more with ADHD should see their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to understand the way their treatment works and to be aware of any possible adverse side effects. GPs may refer people with ADHD for further evaluation or diagnosis to psychiatrists or a clinical psychologist.