ADHD Assessments
There is currently no single test to determine if someone has ADHD. Specialists employ a variety of tools to collect information and study 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 an integral part of the comprehensive assessment process used to evaluate, screen the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview with the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. A professional like a psychologist, doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The doctor will ask the person about their history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those without. They are not diagnostic by themselves, but add crucial, objective data to the assessment. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. 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 is used to look for other conditions that can occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator will also look at the person's past and current medications. The doctor will also look over medical records, and gather background information on the person's family and environment. The evaluator may ask whether the person's parents, or other family members are suffering from ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
These tests can be extremely beneficial to the person who is evaluating, especially if the diagnosis isn't clear. However, these tests have limited effectiveness as the main method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems with their sensitivity and accuracy. They also don't adequately reflect the variety 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 short periods of time. However the results are only useful in diagnosing certain types of illnesses and injuries that affect the brain. They do not accurately reflect how the brain works in everyday situations like school, at work and in relationships.
To make a more precise diagnosis, it is best to consult an expert in mental health who is skilled in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best way to locate the right person.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and maintaining self-control. This can lead to problems at school, work or in relationships. It can also make it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy way. Untreated ADHD symptoms may cause severe consequences like loss of employment, broken friendships and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit symptoms that last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in everyday life, and be present prior to the age of 12 years old.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. 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 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. A person with this type of ADHD might also have difficulty getting their turn and interrupting other people.
Children are often afflicted with these types of ADHD symptoms when they start school. They may struggle in school due to academic demands and become frustrated by their inability to organize or concentration. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to rage.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood, causing difficulties 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're not smart enough to be successful or that there's something wrong with them. It is important to realize that ADHD does not mean that you are less intelligent or able.
Your primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on 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 use behavior ratings scales and lists of symptoms. They will also review the medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have been struggling at school. You may be worried about the ever-present snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your child just lazy or is there a problem that's simpler to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to understand whether your problems are caused by too much screen time, inadequate parenting or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you decide if an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Generally the process of an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of checklists and scales for rating. adhd assessments will inquire about the patient's history of health, developmental progress going back to childhood academic and work experiences and driving history as well as family and marital relationships. The examiner will also look for other issues, like learning disabilities or anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is crucial that the person being evaluated does not hide in shame or out of fear of being judged. This will help the examiner determine how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and help to suggest treatments.
To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, several symptoms must be present prior to age 12, and must be "impairing" in at least two main settings such as school or at home. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It can also include being fired from work because of tardiness, or failing to complete a task on time, or creating tension and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors interview the patient as well as the loved ones like a spouse or sibling. 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 insight often provides information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine whether there is a root cause such as a mood condition or another physical condition causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the patient's mental and medical histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present, and their school performance. It also involves contacting family as well as teachers and other family members to gather a complete picture of the person’s functioning in different environments.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Certain medications are prescribed to improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs which take longer to work but may also help enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include the use of behavioral therapy, particularly for children. For instance, a therapy therapist could teach them ways to organize their lives to help them to keep track of their things or practice mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Marital or family counseling can be beneficial for adults with ADHD, as it helps them develop the skills of communication and problem-solving which can help them cope with their issues at home and at work.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also find they can reduce their symptoms if they consume well balanced meals, get enough sleep and exercise, as well as cut down on the consumption of alcohol and junk food. They might also find it beneficial to seek out support from friends and family or join a support group or participate in an ADHD coach training program that will teach them tips and tools to manage their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to learn the way their treatment works and to address any possible adverse effects. The GP can refer patients suffering from ADHD for further evaluation or a diagnosis to psychiatrists or a clinical psychologist.