ADHD Assessments
There is currently no single test to determine if a person has ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather information and observe 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 assessment process used to assess, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments require a thorough interview with the evaluator and the person being assessed. The evaluation is performed by a specialist such as a doctor, psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will inquire about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These scales are based on research comparing the behaviors of those with ADHD and those who don't. They are not diagnostic in their own right 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. For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both adults and children the clinician may also utilize a behavioral checklist. It will look for other conditions that may co-occur with ADHD for example, conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also looks at the person's past and current medications. The clinician will also review medical records, and gather information about the person's family and environment. The examiner may inquire whether the parents, or other relatives are suffering from ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide important information to assist the evaluator in determining ADHD particularly when there is some uncertainty regarding the diagnosis. These tests aren't useful as the primary tool to determine ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. They don't take into account the complexities of everyday situations that adults face.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging provides useful information about how the brain works during a the short time. The results are useful only for diagnosing certain kinds of brain injuries and illnesses. They do not accurately reflect how the brain performs in everyday situations like school, work and relationships.
It is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who has experience in the assessment and management of ADHD. The best method to locate this type of person is via the recommendation of the doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at school, work or in relationships with friends. It can also be difficult to deal with everyday frustrations. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms may lead to grave consequences, such as job loss, friendships broken and many other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must exhibit symptoms that last throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in normal life, and must have been present prior to age 12 years old.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, ignoring important information, or having difficulty remembering. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have difficulty following instructions 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. People with this type of ADHD might also have difficulty being patient or interrupting other people.
These symptoms are often present in children as they start school. They may have difficulty in class because of the academic demands, and they can become frustrated with their lack of concentration or organizational skills. They can also experience difficulty with interpersonal relationships since they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last into adulthood, causing problems at work, in romantic relationships, as well as with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to achieve success or that something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD is not a sign that you aren't smarter or able.
Your primary care physician or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. assess adhd will also interview you along with your partner, as well as other family members and friends. They will use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and education. They might also refer you for physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out any other ailments.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. It could be due to the dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD, but you aren't sure what it means. Is your kid just lazy or is there a problem that's easier to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is vital. It is important to determine whether your problems are the result of too much screen time, poor parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family doctor can assist you in determining whether an ADHD evaluation is right for you.
In general the general case, an ADHD assessment involves an interview as well as a review of the symptoms and the use of scales for rating 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, family and marital relationships. The examiner will also look for other disorders such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the problems openly and honestly. It is essential that the person who is being evaluated is not hiding in shame or because of fear of criticism. This will assist the examiner understand how the ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and to recommend solutions.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be made there must be a variety of signs that must have been present prior to age 12 and must have been "impairing" at least in two important environments, such as school or at home. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble managing assignments or being fired from a job due to inattention, not completing the task on time or causing conflict and distress in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient and the loved ones (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patient- such as a coach, nanny or a religious leader. This type of personal insight often uncovers information that can't be obtained from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, like blood and urine testing, to rule out possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A doctor can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's a root reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person's mental and medical history, evaluating past and present behavior and school performance, and contacting family members, teachers and other caregivers to obtain an overall picture of how the individual functions in different settings.
People with ADHD often benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Certain people are prescribed medications to increase focus and concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to effect results, but they can improve attention skills such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. For example, the therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to help them to organize their belongings or even engage in mindfulness meditation to improve impulse control and help them manage their time. Marital or family counseling can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD because it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills that will help them deal with their challenges at the workplace and at home.
In addition, many who suffer from ADHD can reduce their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest and exercise, and cutting down on alcohol and junk food. It is also beneficial to seek out assistance from family and friends, enroll in a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training program which will teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should see their GP for regular medication checkups to learn how their treatment is working and to address any possible adverse side effects. Doctors can also refer patients who suffer from ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and diagnosis.