ADHD Assessments
There is no one test that can determine if a person has ADHD. Specialists employ 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 part of the comprehensive evaluation process that is required to assess, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person being assessed. A professional such as a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will ask the person about their history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These scales are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not. They are not diagnostic in themselves, but add crucial, objective data to the assessment. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed using the standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both adults and children the clinician may also utilize a behavioral checklist. This is used to look for other conditions that may occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator also examines the person's previous and current medication. In addition, the therapist will review medical records and gather background information about the person's family and environment. The examiner may inquire whether the person's parents, or other relatives have ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide important information to assist the evaluator to diagnose ADHD, especially when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. These tests are not useful as the primary method to determine ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They also do not adequately reflect the complex situations that an adult faces in daily life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable data on how the brain functions over a short period of time. The results are only useful to diagnose certain types of brain injuries or illnesses. They don't accurately represent how the brain works in everyday situations, such as at work, school and in relationships.
It is best to consult an expert in mental healthcare who has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to find such an individual.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and retaining self-control. This can cause problems at work, school, or in personal relationships. It can also make it difficult to deal with everyday frustrations in a healthy way. As a result that untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to break-ups, loss of jobs, and other serious consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must have symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in normal life, and must have been present prior to age 12 years old.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention-related symptoms may include difficulties staying on task, forgetting important information, or having difficulty remembering. A person may also show inadequate organizational skills or experience trouble 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 someone to have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting others.
These signs are typically seen in children when they first begin school. They may have difficulty in school due to academic demands and then become frustrated due to their lack of organization or focus. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to have emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, causing problems at work as well as with romantic partners or even with family members. People with untreated ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to succeed or they believe something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that having ADHD does not mean you're less capable or intelligent.
To diagnose ADHD, your primary care provider or mental health professional will carry out an exhaustive evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect 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 utilize scales of behavior ratings and lists of symptoms. They will also review the medical history as well as your education. They might also refer you for a physical exam or psychological tests in order to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. It could be the most dreadful "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your child just lazy or is she suffering from a problem that's easier to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. It is essential to determine if the problem is caused by excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family physician can help you decide if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general the general case, an ADHD assessment involves an interview as well as a review of the symptoms, and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's medical history, their development in childhood as well as their academic and professional experience, driving records, as well as their marital and family history. The doctor will also look for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities and mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able discuss the issues honestly and openly. It is crucial that the person who is being evaluated doesn't hide in shame or out of fear of being judged. This will help the examiner to understand how ADHD affects daily life and offer solutions.
To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present prior to age 12, and must be "impairing" in at least two main environments, like school or at home. It's not just about being forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also mean being fired from work because of tardiness, or failing to complete a task on time, or creating tension and conflict in a relationship.
Many doctors will speak with the patient along with the loved ones (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may also solicit feedback from those who spend an extended period of time with the patient- such as an nanny, coach, or religious leader. This type of personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can do an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying cause, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. Learn Even more involves looking over the person's medical and mental history, evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance, as well as contacting teachers, family members and other family members to get an overall picture of how the individual performs in various settings.
People with ADHD typically benefit from a mix of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Some people are prescribed medication to help improve concentration and focus, and decrease the impulsiveness. These include stimulants like 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 a part of many treatment plans, particularly for children. For instance, a counselor might help them learn ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or practice mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them manage their time. Marital or family counseling can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them how to communicate and problem-solve which can help them cope with their challenges at home and at work.
In addition, many people with ADHD can manage their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek out support from friends and family or join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that will teach them tips and tools to manage their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should see their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to learn the way their treatment works and to be aware of any possible side effects. Doctors can also refer patients who suffer from ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.