ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine if one has ADHD. Instead, specialists employ a variety of tools to solicit information and assess the symptoms of a person.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an important part of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to screen, assess, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD tests involve a thorough interview between the evaluator and the person who is being evaluated. This is done by a specialist like a doctor, psychologist, or clinical social worker. The doctor will ask the patient about their past and present symptoms. A lot of evaluators utilize standardized behavior rating scales. These scales are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in their own right, but add crucial, objective data to the assessment. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed using a standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both adults and children, the clinician will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. It will look for other conditions that often 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 medication. The clinician will also go through medical records and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. For example the evaluator might inquire about whether the patient'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. These tests aren't suitable as the primary method to determine ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They also don't adequately reflect the variety of situations that adults face in everyday life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scanning provides useful information on how the brain functions over a short period of time. The results are only useful to identify certain types of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately represent the way the brain functions during everyday situations such as working, school and in relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental health who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best way to locate the right person.
Symptoms
People with ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause problems at school, work or in relationships with friends. It also makes it difficult to manage everyday frustrations in a healthy way. Untreated ADHD symptoms may lead to serious consequences such as loss of employment, broken friendships, and other negative outcomes.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must be suffering from symptoms that persist throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally and be present prior the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms may include difficulties staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. A person may also show 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. This kind of ADHD can also cause someone to struggle with waiting for their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are usually present in children when they first begin school. They may have a difficult time in school due to the demands of academics and become frustrated by their lack of organization or focus. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more prone to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue into adulthood, leading to problems at work as well as in romantic relationships and even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to achieve success or that something is wrong with them. It is crucial to realize that having ADHD does not mean you're less intelligent or capable.
To make adhd assessment of ADHD, your primary care provider or mental health professional will carry out a thorough assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. They will also interview you along with your partner, as well as other family members and friends. To evaluate your symptoms, they will use behavior ratings scales and symptom lists. They will also go over your medical history and your education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling in school. You may be worried about the dreaded snow day or the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but don't know what it means. Is your child just lazy, or does he have an issue that's easier treated than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You must determine if the problem is due to excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family physician can assist you in determining if 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 checklists and rating scales. Doctors will inquire about the person's past health, development going back to childhood academic and work experiences, driving history and marriage and family relations. The examiner will check for any other conditions like learning disabilities and anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It is important that the person who is being evaluated is not hiding from embarrassment or fearful of being judged. This will help the examiner understand how ADHD affects daily life and suggest treatment options.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed there must be a variety of signs that must have appeared before the age 12 and must be "impairing" at least in two major situations like home or school. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also mean being fired from work for tardiness or failing to complete a task in time, or creating tension and conflict in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient as well as the loved ones such as a spouse, sibling, or parent. They may also ask feedback from people that spend a lot of time with patients like an nanny or coach. This type of personal insight will reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also perform physical examinations and laboratory tests such as blood and urinary testing to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying cause, such as an anxiety disorder or another physical illness that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person’s medical and mental histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present and school performance. It also includes calling family members, teachers, and other caregivers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in various situations.
People with ADHD typically benefit from a variety of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some people are prescribed medication to increase focus and concentration, and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. These include stimulants such as 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 part of the majority of treatment plans, particularly for children. For example, the counselor might help them learn methods of organization to make it easier for them to keep track of their things or even use mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marital counseling can also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD can manage their symptoms by following a balanced diet, sleeping enough and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It is also beneficial to seek assistance from family and friends, enroll in a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training program that can provide them with tools and tips for managing their symptoms. People who are diagnosed with ADHD should see their GP regularly for medication checkups to help them know how their treatment is working and to deal with any side negative effects. The GP can refer patients suffering from ADHD for further evaluation or a diagnosis to psychiatrists or a clinical psychologist.