ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Instead, experts employ different tools to solicit information about and evaluate a person's symptoms.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an important element of the comprehensive assessment process, which is needed to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD tests involve a thorough interview between the assessor and the person being evaluated. The evaluation is performed by a clinician, such as a doctor psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will ask about the person's history and current symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These scales are based on research comparing the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without. They aren't diagnostic in their own right but they do provide information that can be used to evaluate. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. The clinician will use the same checklist for behavioral checks for adults and children. This looks for other conditions that may co-occur with ADHD for example, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also examine the person's history and current medications. The clinician will also review medical records and gather background information on the person's surroundings and family. For instance, the evaluator will ask about whether the person's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what the symptoms they experienced were like.
These tests can be very beneficial to the examiner particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain. However these tests are not of much utility as the primary method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. They don't take into account the complexity of daily adult life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful data on how the brain functions over only a brief period of time. However, the results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of injuries and illnesses that affect the brain. They don't accurately reflect how the brain functions in everyday situations like working, school, and in relationships.
It is best to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the assessment and management of ADHD. The best way to find this type of person is via a referral from the doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to stay focused and maintaining self-control. This can cause problems at school, at work or in relationships. It also makes it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy way. Untreated ADHD symptoms may cause serious consequences such as loss of employment, broken friendships and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must last throughout the adolescent and childhood years. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in everyday life, and be present prior to the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having trouble remembering things. Someone may also have poor organizational skills, or experience difficulty following directions and keeping track multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. A person with this kind 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 may have a difficult time in school due to the demands of academics and then become frustrated due to their inability to organize or focus. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist throughout adulthood, which can lead to problems at work as well as in romantic relationships and with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They might believe that they are not capable of achieving success or that something is wrong with them. However, it is important to recognize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less capable or intelligent.
try this out or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also interview your partner and other family members and even your family members. To evaluate your symptoms, they'll employ scales for behavior and symptom lists. They will also examine your medical history and education. They may also refer you for an examination of your body or take psychological tests to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. You might be concerned about the ever-present snow day or the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but don't know what it means. Are your children lazy, or does she have an issue that's easier to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to determine if the issue is due to excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family physician can help you determine whether an ADHD evaluation is right for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of scales for rating or checklists. Doctors will ask about the person's past health, their development back to childhood as well as work and academic experience as well as driving history, marital and family relationships. The examiner will look for other issues like learning disabilities and anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is important that the person being analyzed does not hide in shame or because of fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to determine how ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and provide treatment options.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be established there must be a variety of signs that must have been present prior to age of 12 and be "impairing" at least in two important situations like home or school. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It could also mean being dismissed from a job for tardiness or inability to complete a task in time, or causing tension and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors will interview the patient as well as a loved one, such as spouse, sibling, or parent. They might also seek opinions from those who spend a great deal of time with the patient, like a nanny or coach. This kind of personal experience will reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform physical examinations and laboratory tests, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A doctor may perform an ADHD assessment to determine if there is a root cause, such as a mental disorder or another physical issue that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's mental and medical background, analyzing past and present behavior, as well as school performance, and contacting family members, teachers and other caregivers to obtain an overall picture of how the person functions in different settings.
Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to effect but may also help improve attention abilities like Intuniv or Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include the use of behavioral therapy, particularly for children. The therapist may teach them strategies for organizing to assist them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to improve their control of their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it teaches them communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their challenges at the workplace and at home.
In addition, many who suffer from ADHD can reduce their symptoms by eating a balanced diet, sleeping enough and exercise, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It may also be helpful to ask for assistance from family and friends, sign up to an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training program that can teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should visit their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to understand the way their treatment works and to identify any potential adverse side effects. The GP can also refer patients who suffer from ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.