ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather information and observe 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 element of the comprehensive assessment process used to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person being evaluated. A clinical professional, such as a psychologist doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will inquire about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research studies that compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves, but add important objective data to the evaluation. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). 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 to check for other conditions that may occur alongside ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator will also look at the person's previous and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. The evaluator might ask whether the parents, or other relatives, have ADHD and what symptoms they had.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide important information to assist the evaluator to diagnose ADHD, especially when there is some uncertainty regarding the diagnosis. However they aren't able to provide the utility as the primary instrument for determining an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. They don't accurately reflect the complexities of everyday adult life.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging can provide valuable information on how the brain functions during the short time. However the results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of illnesses and injuries that affect the brain. They do not accurately represent how the brain operates in everyday life like school, work and relationships.
For a more accurate diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to locate such an individual.
Symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause issues at school, at work or in relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily frustrations. Because of this, untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to break-ups, loss of jobs and other serious repercussions.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of an individual must persist through the adolescent years and into childhood. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in daily life, and must be present prior to the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying on task, forgetting important information, or having difficulty remembering. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have trouble 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 type of ADHD may also have trouble being patient or interrupting other people.
Get More Information are typically seen in children as they begin school. They may struggle in school because of academic demands, and they can become frustrated by their inability to concentration or organizational abilities. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue throughout adulthood, which can lead to problems at work and in romantic relationships and with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to achieve success or there's something wrong with them. But it's important to recognize that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less smart or skilled.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, your primary care physician or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination. They will ask about your symptoms and the impact they affect your life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also review your medical history as well as your education. They may also refer you to a physical examination or take psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have struggled in school. It could be due to the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but aren't sure what it is. Are your children lazy, or does he have an issue that's easier to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You need to determine if the issue is due to excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you decide if an ADHD evaluation is right for you.
Typically the process of an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of checklists and scales for rating. Doctors will ask questions regarding the patient's health history, their development in the age of a child and their professional and academic experiences, driving records and their family and marital history. The examiner will also check for other issues, like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It is crucial that the person being evaluated does not hide in shame or fearful of being judged. This will assist the examiner recognize how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide treatments.
To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD there must be a number of symptoms that have been present before age 12 and must be "impairing" in at least two main environments, like home or school. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also mean getting fired from a work for tardiness or failing to complete a task on time, or causing stress and conflict in the relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient as well as the loved ones like a spouse or sibling. They may also request for feedback from those who spend a great deal of time with patients such as a coach or nanny. This type of personal insight often uncovers information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests, to rule out possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can perform an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying cause such as a mood illness or another physical condition that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the patient's mental and medical history, evaluating past and present behavior, as well as school performance, as well as contacting teachers, family members and other caregivers to obtain an accurate picture of how the individual performs in various settings.
People suffering from ADHD often benefit from a variety of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some are prescribed medications to help improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to work but may also help improve attention abilities like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is a part of the majority of treatment plans, especially for children. For instance, a therapy therapist could teach them methods of organization to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or use mindfulness meditation to improve impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marital counseling could also be helpful for people suffering from ADHD because it helps them develop how to communicate and problem-solve that can help them deal with their difficulties at home and at work.
Get More Information with ADHD will also find that they can manage their symptoms by eating well balanced meals, have enough sleep and exercise, as well as 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 which can teach them tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People with ADHD should see their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to learn how their treatment is working and to be aware of any possible side effects. Doctors can also refer patients with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.