ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether an individual suffers from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ various instruments to collect information about 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 evaluation process that is required to assess, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD tests include a thorough interview with the person being assessed. A professional such as a psychologist, doctor or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will ask the person about their history and present symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD and those without. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right but they do provide objective information to the evaluation. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both adults and children, the clinician will also utilize a behavioral checklist. It will look for other conditions that often co-occur with ADHD, such as conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also will look into the person's past and current medications. In addition, the clinician will look over medical records and gather background information regarding the person's family and environment. For instance the evaluator might inquire about whether the patient's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
These tests can be very beneficial to the examiner particularly if the diagnosis isn't clear. These tests aren't useful as the primary method to determine ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the variety of situations that adults face every day.
A more recent test known as SPECT brain scans provide useful data on how the brain functions for just a few minutes. The results are useful only for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries or illnesses. They do not accurately reflect how the brain performs in everyday situations like school, work and relationships.
For a more accurate diagnosis, it is best to consult an expert in mental health who has experience in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to locate the right person.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can lead to problems at work, school or in relationships. It can also make it difficult to manage daily frustrations in a healthy manner. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms could lead to grave consequences, such as job loss, friendships broken, and other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must be suffering from symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also interfere with their ability to function in normal life, and must have been present before age 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying on task, missing important information, and having difficulty remembering things. One may also exhibit inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulty following instructions and keeping track of several tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This kind of ADHD can also cause a person to be unable to wait their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are usually present in children as they begin school. They may struggle in school because of academic demands and may become frustrated by their inability to focus or organization skills. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue into adulthood, causing problems at work and in romantic relationships and with family members. Untreated ADHD can make people feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They may believe they're not capable of achieving success or that there's something wrong with them. It is crucial to recognize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less smart or skilled.
Your primary care physician or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough examination to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview your partner, other family members, and even your family members. To evaluate the severity of your symptoms, they employ scales for behavior and symptom lists. They will also go over your medical history as well as your education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling in school. It could be the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're worried about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but don't know what it means. Are your children lazy, or does she have a problem that's more easily to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to determine if the problem is the result of excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family physician can assist you in determining if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview and a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, development going back to childhood, academic and work experience as well as driving history, marital and family relationships. The doctor will also test for other disorders like learning disabilities or anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able discuss the issues honestly and openly. It is essential that the person who is being evaluated doesn't hide behind embarrassment, or fearful of being judged. This will help the examiner understand how the ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and to recommend treatments.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established 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 major environments, such as school or at home. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble staying on task; it's getting fired from a job because of tardiness, failing to complete a project on time or causing conflict and distress in a marriage.
Many doctors will interview the patient along with the loved ones (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may also ask for feedback from people who spend long periods of time with the patient -- such as an nanny, coach, or religious leader. This kind of personal insight will reveal information that can't be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can do an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying cause, such as a mood disorder or a physical illness that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the patient's mental and medical background, analyzing past and present behavior and school performance, and then contacting family members, teachers and other caregivers to get an accurate picture of how the individual operates in various environments.
People with ADHD typically benefit from a mix of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some people are prescribed medication to help improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer time to take effect, but may improve attention skills such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also part of most treatment plans, particularly for children. For example, the therapy therapist could teach them ways to organize their lives to help them to keep track of their belongings, or they might practice mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them manage their time. Marital or family counseling can also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD because it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their issues at home and at work.
getting an assessment for adhd suffering from ADHD will also find that they can lessen their symptoms if they eat a balanced diet and get enough rest and exercise, as well as cut down on junk food and drinks. It is also beneficial to seek out support from family and friends, sign up to a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training program that can teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. Anyone diagnosed with ADHD should see their GP regularly for medication checkups to help them to understand the effectiveness of their treatment and to address any side effects. Doctors can also refer patients with ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and diagnosis.