ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Instead, specialists use a variety of tools to gather information about and observe 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 essential component of the overall assessment process that is necessary to screen, evaluate the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the evaluator and the person being assessed. A professional such as a psychologist medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The clinician will ask about the person's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These scales are based on research studies that compare the behaviors of those with and without ADHD. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right but they do provide information that can be used to evaluate. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both children and adults, the clinician will also use a behavioral checklist. This will help to identify other conditions that may co-occur along with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression.
The evaluator will also look at the person's current and past medications. In addition, the clinician will go through medical records and gather details about the person's family and surroundings. For instance the evaluator might inquire about whether the person's parents or other relatives have 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 some uncertainty about the diagnosis. However, these tests have limited utility as the primary instrument for determining an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the complexity of situations that an adult faces in everyday life.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, gives valuable information about how the brain functions over a a brief period of time. The results are only useful to identify certain kinds of brain injuries and diseases. They don't accurately reflect how the brain functions during everyday situations such as school, at work, and in relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental healthcare who has expertise in the evaluation and management of ADHD. The best method to locate this type of person is via a referral from the doctor, therapist or other professional.
Symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at school, at work, or in relationships. It can also be difficult to deal with daily frustrations. As a result, untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to job loss, broken friendships and other severe consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in daily life, and have been present before age 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty staying on task, missing important information, and having difficulty remembering things. One may also exhibit inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulty following directions and keeping track of many tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. The person who suffers from this kind of ADHD may also have trouble being patient or interrupting others.
Children typically exhibit these types of ADHD symptoms when they start school. Read Much more may struggle in school because of the academic demands, and they can become frustrated by their inability to focus or organization abilities. They may also have difficulty with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to have emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood, causing difficulties at work and in romantic relationships and even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to be successful or they believe something is wrong with them. It's important to recognize that ADHD doesn't mean you are less intelligent or capable.
Your primary care provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the effects they affect your life. They will also interview you along with your partner, as well as other family members and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also review the medical history and your education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests in order to eliminate any other health issues.
Diagnosis
You or your child has struggled in school. You might be concerned about the ever-present snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but you aren't sure what it means. Is your child just lazy or is there an issue that is easier to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is vital. You need to understand whether your problems result from excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical condition. Your family doctor can help determine if an ADHD assessment is appropriate for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of the symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the patient's health history, their progress in childhood, their academic and professional experience, driving records, and their family and marital history. The doctor will also look for other issues, such as learning disabilities and anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able discuss the issues honestly and openly. It is crucial that the person being evaluated does not be hesitant due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will assist the examiner understand how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and recommend treatment options.
To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD there must be a number of symptoms that be present prior to age 12 and must be "impairing" in at least two main settings such as school or at home. The impairment goes beyond being unable to remember or struggling to complete assignments. It could also mean being fired from work because of tardiness, or failing to complete a task on time, or causing tension and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors will interview the patient and the loved ones (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend a lot of time with the patientlike a nanny, coach or a religious leader. This kind of personal information often provides information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, like blood and urine testing, to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A doctor may conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical issue causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation entails examining the person's medical and mental history, as well as evaluating their past and present behavior, and their school performance. It also includes contact with family as well as teachers and other family members to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in various settings.
Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Certain medications are prescribed to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to effect but can also enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. Therapists can teach them ways to organize their lives to aid them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling could be beneficial for adults with ADHD because it teaches them communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Many people with ADHD will also find that they can reduce their symptoms if they consume well balanced meals, get enough sleep, exercise and cut down on the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be helpful to ask for support from your family and friends, enroll in a support group or take part in an ADHD Coach training program that can provide them with strategies and tools to manage their symptoms. Anyone diagnosed with ADHD must visit their GP regularly for checkups on their medication, to help them understand how their treatment is working and to deal with any side consequences. The GP can also refer patients with ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist to further evaluate and diagnose.