ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine if someone has ADHD. Instead, specialists use various tools to solicit information and assess 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 a vital part of the comprehensive evaluation process required to screen, assess the severity of a condition, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments require a thorough interview with the evaluator and the person who is being evaluated. A professional such as a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The doctor will ask the patient about their past and current symptoms. A lot of evaluators utilize standardized behavior rating scales. These scales are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD. assess adhd are not diagnostic in themselves but they do 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. Adults can be assessed using the standard ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale. The doctor will employ a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This looks for other conditions that are often co-occurring with ADHD for example, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also examines the person's past and current medication. In addition, the clinician will review medical records and gather information about the person's family and environment. The evaluator might ask whether the person's parents, or other family members have ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide crucial information to assist the evaluator to diagnose ADHD particularly when there is some doubt regarding the diagnosis. However these tests are not of much effectiveness as the main method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems in their sensitivity and specificity. They also don't reflect the variety of situations that adults face.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging provides useful information about how the brain functions during 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 works in everyday situations like working, school and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The best method to locate the right person is to get a referral from an therapist, doctor or any other professional.
Symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and maintaining self-control. This can cause issues at work, school, or in relationships. It is also difficult to deal with everyday frustrations. If not treated, ADHD symptoms could cause grave consequences, such as the loss of a job, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
In order 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 have been present prior to age 12 years old.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having trouble remembering things. The person could also display poor organizational skills or have 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. The person who suffers from this type of ADHD might also have difficulty being patient or interrupting others.
Children often display these types of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They may struggle in school because of academic demands and may become frustrated with their lack of concentration or organization skills. They may also struggle with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood and cause issues at work, with romantic partners, or even with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to be successful or they believe something is wrong with them. It is important to realize that ADHD is not a sign that you aren't smarter or capable.
Your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms and the impact they affect your life. They will also interview your partner, other family members, and friends. They will utilize behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and education. They might also recommend you undergo a physical examination or take psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child has struggled in school. It could be because of the most dreadful "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but you don't know what it means -- is your child just lazy or is there a problem that's simpler to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. It is important to determine if the problems result from too much screen time, poor parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you decide whether an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Typically, an ADHD assessment involves an interview, review of symptoms and the use of checklists and rating scales. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, development going back to childhood as well as work and academic experience, driving history and marriage and family relations. The doctor will also look for any other conditions like learning disabilities and mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues in a candid and honest manner. It is crucial that the person being analyzed is not hiding behind embarrassment, or because of fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to recognize how ADHD symptoms affect everyday life and provide solutions.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made there must be a variety of signs that must have manifested before age of 12 and have been "impairing" at least in two main environments, such as school or at home. The impairment goes beyond being a bit forgetful or having difficulty staying on task or being fired from a job due to inattention, not completing a project on time or causing conflict and distress in a marriage.
Many doctors interview both the patient and a loved one, such as a spouse, sibling, or parent. They might also seek for feedback from those who spend a great deal of time with patients such as a nanny or coach. This kind of personal insight can reveal information that cannot be obtained through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also perform physical examinations and lab tests like urine and blood tests to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A doctor can do an ADHD assessment to determine if there is 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 history, as well as evaluating their past and current behavior as well as their school performance. It also includes calling family members teachers, parents, and other caregivers in order to get a complete picture of the person's performance in different situations.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsiveness, such as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to effect but can also improve attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include behavior therapy, particularly those for children. Therapists can teach them organization strategies to help them keep on top of things or to practice mindfulness meditation to help improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Marital or family counseling can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD because it teaches them the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Many people who suffer from ADHD will also find they can lessen their symptoms if they eat an appropriate diet, get enough sleep and exercise. They should also reduce their intake of junk food and alcohol. It is also beneficial to ask for support from your family and friends, enroll in a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training course that will teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should see their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to learn how their treatment works and to address any possible side effects. GPs may refer people with ADHD for additional evaluation or for a diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.