ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ various 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 an important component of the overall assessment process that is required to screen, assess the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being evaluated. A clinical professional, like a psychologist, doctor or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will ask the patient about their past and present symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research studies that compare the behaviors of those with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves, but add important objective data to the assessment. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The clinician will use a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This is to check for other conditions that can occur alongside ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator also looks at the person's previous and current medications. The clinician will also review medical records, and gather information about the person's environment and family. For example, the evaluator will ask whether the person's parents or other relatives have had ADHD and what the symptoms they experienced were like.
These tests can be extremely beneficial to the person who is evaluating particularly if the diagnosis isn't clear. However these tests are not of much effectiveness as the main instrument for determining an ADHD diagnosis because of problems with their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the complex the situations that adults encounter every day.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scanning provides useful data on how the brain functions for a short period of time. However, the results are only useful in diagnosing certain types of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately reflect the way the brain functions during everyday situations such as working, school, and in relationships.
To make a more precise diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to locate the right person.
Signs and 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 is also difficult to cope with everyday frustrations. As a result, untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to break-ups, loss of jobs, and other serious consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit symptoms that last throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms must also interfere with their ability to function in daily life, and have been present before age 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, ignoring important information, or having trouble remembering. Someone may also have poor organization 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 be unable to wait their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are typically seen in children when they first start school. They may struggle in school because of the academic demands and can get frustrated by their inability to concentration or organization skills. They can also experience difficulty with interpersonal relationships because they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood and cause issues at work, with romantic partners, or even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, believing they're not smart enough to achieve success or they believe something is wrong with them. But it's important to realize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less smart or skilled.
Your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. To evaluate the severity of your symptoms, they use behavior ratings scales and lists of symptoms. They will also review the medical history and education. They may also refer you to physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out any other health issues.
Diagnosis
You or your child has struggled in school. You might be concerned about the ever-present snow day or the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but don't know what it means. Is your child lazy, or does he have a problem that is easier to be to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine if the problem is the result of excessive screen time, poor parenting, or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family physician can help you decide whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
Typically, an ADHD assessment includes an interview, a review of symptoms and use of checklists and scales for rating. Doctors will ask questions regarding the patient's medical history, their development in childhood as well as their academic and professional experience, driving records, and their family and marital history. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, like learning disabilities or anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to discuss the problems openly and honestly. It is essential to not be hesitant due to shame or fear of criticism. This will help the examiner to comprehend how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and offer treatments.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established, a number of symptoms must have been present prior to age of 12 and be "impairing" at least in two important settings like school or home. It's not just about being forgetful or struggling to keep up with assignments. It could also mean being fired from work for tardiness or failing to complete a task on time, or creating tension and conflict in the relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient as well as a loved one (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may ask for feedback from people who spend long periods of time with the patient -- such as a nanny, coach or religious leader. This kind of personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also conduct physical examinations and lab tests such as urine and blood tests to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's an underlying cause, like a mood disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation requires examining the person's medical and mental history, evaluating past and present behavior and school performance, and then contacting family members, teachers and other family members to get a more complete picture of how the individual functions in different settings.
People with ADHD often benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to help improve concentration and focus and decrease impulsiveness, such as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to effect but can also improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of the majority of treatment plans, particularly for children. For example, the therapist might teach them methods of organization to help them to organize their belongings or practice mindfulness meditation to improve impulse control and help them manage their time. Marriage or family counseling is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It teaches them how to solve problems and develop communication skills that can help them deal with their difficulties at home and work.
Additionally, sites who suffer from ADHD can manage their symptoms by eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising, as well as cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It is also beneficial to seek out support from family and friends, enroll in a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training program that can teach them tools and tips for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should see their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to learn the way their treatment works and to be aware of any possible side effects. Doctors can also refer patients with ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.