ADHD Assessments
There is currently no single test to determine if a person has ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather information and observe 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 crucial element of the comprehensive assessment process that is necessary to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. A professional such as a psychologist medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will ask about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based upon research comparing the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without. They aren't diagnostic in their own right however they provide important objective information to the evaluation. 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 such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both adults and children the clinician may also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This is used to look for other conditions that may co-occur along with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator will also look at the person's history and current medications. The doctor will also look over medical records and gather information about the person's family and environment. For example the evaluator would inquire whether the person's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what the symptoms they experienced were like.
These tests can be very beneficial to the person who is evaluating particularly if the diagnosis isn't clear. However they aren't able to provide the utility as the primary tool for making an ADHD diagnosis because of problems in their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the complexity of situations that an adult faces in daily life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scans provide useful data on how the brain functions over only a brief period of time. The results are only useful to diagnose certain kinds of brain injuries or illnesses. They don't accurately represent the way the brain functions during everyday situations such as at work, school, and in relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The best way to locate such a person is through an appointment with the doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can cause issues at work, school or in personal relationships. It also makes it difficult to handle everyday frustrations in a healthy way. If not treated, ADHD symptoms may lead to severe consequences like job loss, friendships broken and many other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of an individual must be present throughout the adolescent and childhood years. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in everyday life, and they must have been present prior to age 12 years old.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention-related symptoms may include difficulties staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. The person could also display inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulties following directions and focusing on several tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. A person with this kind of ADHD may also have trouble waiting their turn or interrupting others.
Children often display these kinds of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They may struggle in school because of the academic demands, and they can become frustrated with their lack of concentration or organization skills. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to rage.
These symptoms can persist throughout adulthood, which can lead to difficulties at work as well as in romantic relationships and even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to be successful or they believe something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD is not a sign that you aren't smarter or able.
Your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They will also interview your partner and other family members and friends. They will utilize behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also review your medical history and educational background. They might also recommend you undergo physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out other ailments.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have struggled in school. It could be because of the most dreadful "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your kid just lazy or is there a problem that's simpler to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine if the problem is due to excessive screen time, inadequate parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview, a review of symptoms, and the use of scales for rating or checklists. Doctors will ask about the person's past health, development going back to childhood, academic and work experience as well as driving history, marital and family relationships. The examiner will also look for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities or anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It's important that the person being evaluated does not hold back out of embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to recognize how ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and provide treatment options.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be established, a number of symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and must be "impairing" at least in two major settings like school or home. The impairment goes beyond being unable to remember or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also be a result of getting fired from a work for tardiness or failing to complete tasks on time, or causing stress and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors interview both the patient and the loved ones such as 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 information often uncovers information that can't be obtained from questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform a physical examination and run tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation entails examining the patient's mental and medical histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present, and their school performance. It also involves calling family members teachers, parents, and other family members to gather an accurate picture of the person's performance in different environments.
Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some people are prescribed medications to help improve concentration and focus and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications which take longer time to effect results, but they can help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also part of most treatment plans, especially for children. The therapist may teach them organization strategies to aid them in keeping the track of their activities or practice mindfulness meditation to improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling can also be helpful for adults with ADHD, as it teaches them how to communicate and problem-solve which can help them cope with their difficulties at the workplace and at home.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also find that they can lessen their symptoms by eating an appropriate diet, get enough rest and exercise, as well as cut down on junk food and alcohol. It may also be helpful to seek support from family and friends or join a support organization or attend an ADHD coach training program that can provide them with tools and tips for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to understand the way their treatment works and to be aware of any possible side effects. Doctors can refer patients with ADHD for further evaluation or diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.