ADHD Assessments
There is currently no one test that can be used to determine whether an individual suffers from ADHD. Specialists use a variety tools to collect information and study 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 integral part of the comprehensive evaluation process required to evaluate, screen the severity of a condition, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview with the evaluator and the person being assessed. A clinical professional, such as a psychologist doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The clinician will ask about the person's past and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These scales are based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those without. They aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they add important objective data to the evaluation. These 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 like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both adults and children the doctor will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This will help to identify other conditions that can occur alongside ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression.
The evaluator also will look into the person's history and current medications. In addition, the clinician will go through medical records and gather information about the person's family members and their environment. The examiner may inquire whether the parents, or other family members are suffering from ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator to diagnose ADHD especially when there is some doubt regarding the diagnosis. These tests aren't useful as the main tool to diagnose ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. They don't accurately reflect the complexities of everyday situations that adults face.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, gives valuable information about how the brain works during a the short time. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately reflect how the brain operates in everyday life like school, work and relationships.
To make a more precise diagnosis, it is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. The best way to locate the right person is to get a referral from the doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to focus and retaining self-control. This can lead to problems at school, at work or in relationships. It can also be difficult to cope with everyday frustrations. Untreated ADHD symptoms could result in serious consequences such as job loss, friendships broken, and other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must persist through the adolescent years and into childhood. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in normal life, and have been present prior to age 12.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have difficulty following directions and keeping track of many tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. The person who suffers from this kind of ADHD might also have difficulty being patient or interrupting other people.
These signs are usually present in children at the time they start school. They may have difficulty in school due to the demands of academics and become frustrated by their inability to organize themselves or concentration. They also may have difficulty with interpersonal relationships since they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood, causing problems at work as well as in romantic relationships and with family members. Untreated ADHD can make people feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They may believe they're not smart enough to be successful or that something is wrong with them. However, it is important to recognize that having ADHD does not mean you're less capable or intelligent.
Your primary care provider 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 affect your life. They will also interview your spouse as well as other family members and your friends. To evaluate the severity of your symptoms, they use behavior ratings scales and symptom lists. They will also review your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical exam or psychological tests to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child has been struggling at school. It could be because of the often-dreaded "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD, but don't know what it is. Is your child lazy, or does he have a problem that's more easily to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is vital. It is essential to determine if the problem is due to excessive screen time, inadequate parenting or a medical condition. Your family doctor can help determine if an ADHD assessment is right for you.
In general the majority of cases, 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 patient's history of health, developmental progress going back to childhood, academic and work experience, driving history and marital and family relationships. The examiner will also check for other disorders like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues honestly and openly. It is essential that the person being analyzed does not hide in shame or because of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to comprehend how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and recommend solutions.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed the symptoms must have manifested before age of 12 and be "impairing" at least in two main environments, such as school or at home. The impairment goes beyond being a bit forgetful or having difficulty managing assignments; it's getting fired from a job for inattention, not completing the task on time or causing tension and discord in a marriage.
Many doctors will interview the patient and the loved ones (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend a lot of time with the patient -for example, an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This kind of personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychologists also conduct physical examinations and laboratory 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 whether 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 person's medical and mental histories, analyzing their past and current behavior and school performance. It also includes calling family members as well as teachers and other caregivers to gather a complete picture of the person’s functioning in different environments.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a variety of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines that take longer to work but may also help improve attention abilities like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. For example, the therapy therapist could teach them organizational strategies to make it easier for them to keep track of their belongings, or they might engage in mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Family or marital counseling can be beneficial for adults with ADHD, as it teaches them how to communicate and problem-solve that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Additionally, many people with ADHD can lessen their symptoms by following a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercise, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek help from friends and family or join a support organization or participate in an ADHD coach training program that can provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. click the next page diagnosed with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for regular medication checkups, to help them know how their treatment is working and to address any adverse negative effects. Doctors can also refer patients with ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to further evaluate and diagnose.