ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether an individual suffers from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ different tools to gather 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 a vital component of the complete evaluation process that is required to assess, screen the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person being assessed. This is done by a specialist like a doctor, psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will inquire about the person's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. They are not diagnostic by themselves however they provide important objective data to the evaluation. getting an assessment for adhd include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed with an established ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both adults and children the doctor will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. It will look for other conditions that are often co-occurring with ADHD, such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also examine the person's history and current medications. Additionally, the doctor will look over medical records and gather background details about the person's family and surroundings. For instance the evaluator would inquire about whether the person's parents or other relatives suffer from ADHD and what their symptoms were.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator to diagnose ADHD, especially when there is a degree of uncertainty regarding the diagnosis. However these tests are not of much use as the sole method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems with their sensitivity and accuracy. They also don't adequately reflect the complex situations that adults face in daily life.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, gives valuable information about how the brain works during a the short time. The results are only useful to diagnose certain kinds of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately represent how the brain functions during everyday situations such as working, school, and in relationships.
It is recommended to consult an expert in mental healthcare who is experienced in the assessment and management of ADHD. The best way to locate the right person is to get the recommendation of an therapist, doctor or other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and maintaining self-control. This can lead to problems at work, school, or in relationships. It is also difficult to manage everyday frustrations. Untreated ADHD symptoms may result in grave consequences, such as job loss, friendships broken and many other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of an individual must last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in everyday life, and have been present prior to age 12 years old.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD. Inattention symptoms could include difficulties staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. One may also exhibit poor organization skills or have difficulty following directions and focusing on many tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. People with this kind of ADHD may also have trouble getting their turn and interrupting other people.
Children often display these types of ADHD symptoms as they enter school. They may struggle in school due to the demands of school and can get frustrated by their lack of focus or organization skills. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to rage.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood, leading to difficulties at work and in romantic relationships and with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to succeed or they believe something is wrong with them. It is important to realize that ADHD doesn't mean you aren't smarter or capable.
To diagnose ADHD, your primary care doctor or mental health professional will perform an extensive assessment. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. To evaluate the severity of your symptoms, they employ scales for behavior and lists of symptoms. They will also review your medical history and education. They may also refer to you for a physical exam or psychological tests in order to eliminate any other health issues.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling in school. It could be because of the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're worried about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your child lazy, or does she have a problem that is easier to be to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. It is essential to determine if the issue is caused by excessive screen time, bad 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, a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's medical history, their development in childhood, their academic and professional experiences, driving records, and their family and marital history. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential that the person being evaluated is not hiding behind embarrassment, or out of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to comprehend how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and suggest 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 main settings such as home or school. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble staying on task and homework; it's being dismissed from a job due to inattention, not completing an assignment on time, or causing conflict and stress in a marriage.
A lot of doctors will talk to the patient along with a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may 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 often provides information that cannot 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 any other possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's a root cause, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person's medical and mental histories, analyzing their past and present behavior as well as their school performance. It also involves calling family members, teachers, and other caregivers to get an accurate picture of the person’s functioning in different settings.
People suffering from ADHD often benefit from a combination of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to help improve concentration and focus, and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines which take longer to work but also help enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. For instance, a therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to help them to organize their things, or they might engage in mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Family or marital counseling could be beneficial for adults with ADHD, as it helps them develop how to communicate and problem-solve which can help them cope with their issues at home and at work.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also find that they can lessen their symptoms if they consume a balanced diet and have enough sleep, exercise and reduce their intake of junk food and alcohol. They may also find it beneficial to seek out support from family and friends or join a support organization or participate in an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tools and tips to manage their symptoms. People who are diagnosed with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for regular medication checkups to help them understand how their treatment is working and to address any side negative effects. The GP can also refer patients who suffer from ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.