ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether someone has ADHD. Instead, specialists employ a variety of tools to gather information and assess the symptoms of a person.
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 evaluate, screen the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD tests involve a thorough interview with the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. A clinician like a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will inquire about the person's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. assess adhd are based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who don't. They aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they add important information that can be used to evaluate. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. The clinician will use a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This looks for other conditions that are often co-occurring with ADHD like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also will look into the person's history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather background information on the person's surroundings and family. The evaluator might ask whether the person's parents, or other family members, have ADHD and what signs they experienced.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator to diagnose ADHD particularly when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. These tests aren't useful as the main tool to diagnose ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the complex situations that an adult faces every day.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, can provide valuable information on how the brain works during a a brief period of time. However the results are only useful in diagnosing certain types of illnesses and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately reflect how the brain functions during everyday situations such as at work, school and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is best to consult a specialist in mental health who has experience in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. The best way to find such a person is through an appointment with a doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to stay focused and maintaining self-control. This can cause problems at school, work or in personal relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily frustrations. If not treated, ADHD symptoms can cause grave consequences, such as job loss, friendships broken, and other negative outcomes.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit symptoms that last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally, and must have been present prior to the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. A person may also show poor organization skills or have difficulties following instructions 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 difficulty getting their turn and interrupting others.
These signs are usually present in children as they start school. They can struggle in class because of the academic demands and can get frustrated by their lack of focus or organization abilities. They may also have difficulty with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to have emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood and cause issues at work as well as with romantic partners or even with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, believing they're not smart enough to be successful or they believe something is wrong with them. But it's important to realize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less intelligent or capable.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care provider or mental health professional will perform a thorough evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview your spouse, other family members, and even your family members. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also go over your medical history as well as your education. They might also recommend you undergo an examination of your body or take psychological tests to rule out other health issues.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. It could be due to the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're worried about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but you don't really know what it means -- is your kid just lazy or is she suffering from a problem that's simpler to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You must determine if the problems result from too much screen time, inadequate parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
Generally an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a examination of symptoms, and the use of rating scales and checklists. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's medical background, their growth since the age of a child as well as their academic and professional experiences, driving records, and their family and marital history. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to talk about the subject matter openly and honestly. It is crucial that he or she not be hesitant due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will assist the examiner understand how ADHD affects daily life and offer treatment options.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed, a number of symptoms must have been present prior to age of 12 and must have been "impairing" at least in two main situations like home or school. It's not just about being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It could also mean being fired from work because of tardiness, or failing to complete a task in time, or creating stress and conflict in a relationship.
Many doctors will speak with the patient and a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may also ask for feedback from people who spend a lot of time with the patientlike an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This kind of personal experience will reveal information that can't be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's a root reason, such as an anxiety disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental history, as well as evaluating their behavior in the past and present and school performance. It also includes contact with family as well as teachers and other family members to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior in various situations.
Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to improve concentration and focus, and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to work but also help improve attention abilities like Intuniv or Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is a part of many treatment plans, especially for children. The therapist may teach them organization strategies to assist them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Marriage or family counseling is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. It helps them learn how to solve problems and develop communication skills that will help them cope with their issues at home and work.
Many people with ADHD will also find that they can reduce their symptoms by eating a balanced diet and get enough sleep, exercise and cut down on junk food and alcohol. It may also be beneficial to seek out support from family and friends or join a support group or attend an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should visit their GP for regular medication checkups to understand the way their treatment works and to address any possible adverse effects. The GP can also refer patients with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.