ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test to determine if someone has ADHD. Instead, experts employ different tools to gather information about and evaluate 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 a crucial part of the comprehensive assessment process that is necessary to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person who is being evaluated. This is conducted by a professional such as a doctor, psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will inquire with the patient about their past and present symptoms. A lot of evaluators employ standardized behavior ratings scales. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviors of those with and without ADHD. They are not considered diagnostic by themselves but they do provide objective information to the evaluation. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed using the standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both children and adults, the clinician will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This is used to look for other conditions that may occur alongside ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder, anxiety, and depression.
The evaluator will also look at the person's history and current medications. The clinician will also review medical records, and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. The examiner may inquire whether the parents, or other relatives, have ADHD and what symptoms they had.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator in diagnosing ADHD particularly when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. These tests aren't suitable as the main tool to determine ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the complexity of situations that adults face in everyday life.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging gives valuable information about how the brain works during a short periods of time. However, the results are only useful in the diagnosis of certain types of injuries and illnesses that affect the brain. They do not accurately reflect how the brain functions during everyday situations such as school, at work and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is recommended to have an expert in mental health who has experience in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best method to locate an expert.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and retaining self-control. This can cause issues at school, work or in relationships with friends. It is also difficult to cope with daily stressors. If not treated, ADHD symptoms could lead to severe consequences like the loss of a job, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must be suffering from symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also be a hindrance in their ability to function normally and must have been present prior to the age of 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, ignoring important information, or having difficulty remembering. Some people may also have weak organizational skills, or have trouble following directions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This type of ADHD can also cause a person have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting others.
These symptoms are often present in children at the time they begin school. They may have difficulty in school due to academic demands and become frustrated by their inability to organize or concentration. They may also struggle with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to have emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue throughout adulthood, which can lead to problems at work and in romantic relationships and even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to achieve success or that something is wrong with them. But it's important to realize that having ADHD does not mean you're less intelligent or capable.
Your primary care physician or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. adhd assessments will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. To evaluate your symptoms, they'll utilize scales of behavior ratings and lists of symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical exam or psychological tests in order to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have been 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 about ADHD but you don't know what it means -- is your kid just lazy or does she have a problem that's easier to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You need to understand if the problems are caused by too much screen time, bad parenting or a medical issue. Your family doctor can assist you to determine if an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Generally an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales and checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, their development back to childhood academic and work experiences, driving history and family and marital relationships. The doctor will also look for other issues like learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to talk about the issues honestly and openly. It is essential that the person being evaluated does not hide in shame or out of fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to determine how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide treatment options.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made there must be a variety of signs that must have appeared before the age of 12 and must have been "impairing" at least in two important environments, such as school or at home. It's more than just being forgetful or having trouble managing assignments or being fired from a job because of inattention, not completing the task on time or causing conflict and distress in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview both the patient and loved ones, like a spouse or sibling. They may also ask opinions from those who spend a lot of time with the patient, like a coach or nanny. This kind of personal experience will reveal information that can't be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also conduct physical examinations and lab tests like urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment
A health care provider can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's an underlying cause, like an anxiety disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation entails examining the person’s medical and mental histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present and school performance. It also includes calling family members teachers, parents, and other caregivers in order to gather a complete picture of the person’s functioning in different situations.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a combination of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications which take longer to work but may also help enhance attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans incorporate behavioral therapy, especially those for children. For example, the therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their things, or they might practice mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Counseling for families or marriage is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It helps them develop problem-solving and communication skills which will assist them in dealing with their issues at home and at work.
In addition, many with ADHD can lessen their symptoms by following a balanced diet, sleeping enough and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol and junk food. They may also find it beneficial to seek out support from family and friends or join a support organization or participate in an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should see their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to learn the way their treatment works and to identify any potential adverse side effects. GPs can also refer people with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists for further evaluation and diagnosis.