ADHD Assessments
There is currently no single test that can determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ various tools to solicit information about 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 important element of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. This is done by a clinician, like a doctor, psychologist, or clinical social worker. The clinician will inquire about the person's past and current symptoms. A lot of evaluators employ standardized behavior ratings scales. These scales are based on research studies that compare the behaviors of those with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in their own right however they provide crucial, 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 standardized ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both adults and children the doctor will also use a behavioral checklist. This will help to identify other conditions that can occur alongside ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator also looks at the person's current and past medications. In addition, the therapist will go through medical records and gather background information about the person's family members and their environment. The evaluator might ask whether the parents, or other relatives are suffering from ADHD and what symptoms they had.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide crucial information to assist the evaluator to diagnose ADHD especially when there is some doubt about the diagnosis. However they aren't able to provide the use as the sole instrument for determining an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. Additionally, they do not adequately reflect the complexity of situations that adults face in daily life.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, can provide valuable information on how the brain functions during a brief period of time. However the results are useful for diagnosing certain kinds of illnesses and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately reflect how the brain functions in everyday situations, such as school, work and relationships.
To make a more precise diagnosis, it is best to consult an expert in mental health who is skilled in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. The best way to locate the right person is to get the recommendation of a doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty staying focused and maintaining self-control. This can cause issues at work, school, or in personal relationships. It can also be difficult to deal with daily stressors. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms may result in severe consequences like job loss, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit symptoms that last throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms must also interfere in their ability to function normally and have been present prior to age 12.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattention-related symptoms may include difficulties staying focused, forgetting important information, or having difficulty remembering. One may also exhibit poor organization skills or have trouble following directions and focusing on several 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 someone to be unable to wait their turn or interrupting others.
Children often display these kinds of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They may struggle in school because of the academic demands, and they can become frustrated by their lack of focus or organization abilities. They also may have 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, and even with family members. People with untreated ADHD may feel shame or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to succeed or they believe something is wrong with them. But it's important to realize that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less intelligent or capable.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care doctor or mental health professional will perform an extensive examination. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they affect your life. get an adhd assessment will also interview your spouse as well as other family members and your friends. To assess your symptoms, they will employ scales for behavior and symptom lists. They will also review your medical history as well as your education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests in order to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have struggled in school. You might be concerned about the dreaded snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but aren't sure what it is. Are your children lazy, or does she have a problem that's more easily to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You need to understand if the problems are the result of excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical issue. Your family doctor can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Typically the process of an ADHD evaluation involves an interview, examination of symptoms, and the use of checklists and rating scales. Doctors will ask about the person's history of health, developmental progress going back to childhood, academic and work experience and driving history as well as marital and family relationships. The examiner will look for other disorders like mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential that the person being evaluated doesn't hide behind embarrassment, or because of fear of criticism. This will help the examiner recognize how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide treatments.
To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must have been present before age 12 and must be "impairing" in at least two major situations, such as at home or school. The impairment goes beyond being unable to remember or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It can also include being fired from work because of tardiness, or failing to complete tasks on time, or causing stress and conflict in the relationship.
A lot of doctors conduct interviews with the patient as well as a loved one, such as spouse or sibling. They may also request opinions from those who spend a great deal of time with the patients such as an nanny or coach. This kind of personal information often provides information that cannot be obtained from questionnaires. Psychologists also conduct physical examinations and laboratory tests such as blood and urinary testing to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A doctor may conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there is a root cause, such as a mental condition or another physical condition that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental history, evaluating past and present behavior, as well as school performance, and then contacting teachers, family members and other caregivers to obtain a more complete picture of how the individual operates in various environments.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer to effect but may also help enhance attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans incorporate the use of behavioral therapy, particularly for children. For instance, a counselor might help them learn ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or even engage in mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marriage counseling is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It helps them develop how to solve problems and develop communication skills that will help them cope with their challenges both at home and work.
In addition, many people with ADHD can manage their symptoms by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol and junk food. They may also find it helpful to seek support from friends and family, join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that can provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. Individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD must visit their GP regularly for regular medication checkups to help them know the effectiveness of their treatment and to deal with any side effects. The GP can refer patients suffering from ADHD for additional evaluation or for a diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.