ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A comprehensive ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with the person being assessed, as well as one or more questionnaires designed to rate symptoms. Parents and teachers are usually interviewed, too.
To be diagnosed with ADHD children or adults must exhibit symptoms in more than one setting and the symptoms don't stem from other medical issues, such as seizure or thyroid disorders.
History
The first step of getting an diagnosis of ADHD is talking to your primary care doctor. They might refer you to an expert in mental health who will conduct an assessment that includes a thorough medical history and physical exam. The assessment includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD lists of symptoms and psychological tests.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than adults. However it can affect anyone at any age. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated may experience difficulties at work, in relationships, and could be more prone to addiction and depression. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated.
Although there were reports of children who had behavioral issues similar to those associated with ADHD from the 18th century, modern ADHD history begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who noticed that many of his patients were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their work. He believed that these symptoms were related to the way their brains worked and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitudes.
In 1952, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the first edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. At the time, the condition was known as a attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity or ADD. The APA didn't consider hyperactivity to be a symptom vital until the year 1980 when DSM-III was introduced. At that point, the ADD subtype was dropped and the resulting designation became ADHD.
KMN The Psych's ADHD testing process is thorough and thoroughly assesses cognitive and behavioral patterns which can be used to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. This information can be used to design specific interventions such as educational accommodations, treatment and plans that boost productivity, daily functioning and long-term performance.
During an initial visit the doctor will take an extensive history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the person's life at home, school performance and career. The doctor will also collect details about the person's family history and will interview family members. They will employ standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptoms checklists and psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process usually includes physical examination that measures the height, weight and pulse. A medical history is also taken and includes any prescription, over-the-counter or illicit medications taken regularly. The examiner will also assess hearing and vision. The examiner can also check to see if other health or behavioral disorders are present that mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for other disorders since many people with ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms on their own the conditions could be overlooked.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment will interview the person being assessed. They will inquire about the behavior of the person at school as well as at home and at work. They will also discuss family and social background, if appropriate. The psychologist will ask the person to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These are questions that utilize research to assess the behavior of people with ADHD and those who do not. The person who is being tested must answer the questionnaires honestly and openly. They should not hide any information out of fear of embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the doctor will review all notes or records of previous evaluations. They will be looking for patterns of symptoms that are consistent and don't change over time. They will assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life.
In some cases an examiner may suggest a medical examination or lab tests to rule out the underlying physical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders. These medical tests are not part of a diagnosis, however, they can be crucial in identifying any other health issues that may be contributing to or similar to ADHD symptoms.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure that an individual receives the assistance they require in school or at work, as well as in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can open up many treatments and accommodations that could improve efficiency and daily functioning. Furthermore, a valid diagnosis can help people understand their specific challenges and determine the strategies and coping mechanisms that work best for their needs.
Psychological Tests
If you suspect that you or your children may have ADHD then you should seek out an expert in health care who is trained to recognize and treat this disorder. The person you meet will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which may include tests of cognitive ability and behavioral assessment. This is vital because it helps differentiate ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
During the diagnostic interview, your doctor will ask you a set of questions that are standard for your behavior and how it impacts on your life. He or she might also talk to your parents or teachers to gain a better understanding of the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will aid in determining if they are caused by ADHD or whether other factors like stress or medical conditions may be the cause.
Your evaluator might also inquire about your family background and any mental health issues you've experienced. It is helpful to write down the issues you are concerned about and the specific behaviors that are troubling you, to ensure that you do not forget anything. You might be required to complete questionnaires regarding your mood and functioning. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS).
A major part of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in various settings, including your home, school or work, as well as play. In these instances, your evaluator will note the frequency and intensity of your symptoms and their impact on your life. The evaluator will utilize a standard observation form to document the results of the examination.
Your evaluator may recommend an organized behavioral plan, cognitive-behavioral treatment, or even parent training as behavioral treatments. These techniques can help you or your child deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also help you establish order and cohesion in your home at school, as well as at work to lessen the disruptions caused by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Counseling
The right diagnosis is essential to ensure the most effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. Typically, it involves analysing data from a variety of sources. This involves evaluating behavior and educational rating scales completed by teachers, parents, and children, interviewing the individual, and then observing them in various environments (e.g. home or at school, as well as at work). The doctor will also look at the symptoms and how they impact the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships and other aspects of life.
A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and educators to complete online questionnaires which are then sent directly to the clinic. Others will provide an evaluation of the teacher and parent in person at the time of the initial appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of prior evaluations and treatment records.
In some cases, a physician may ask information from others who are aware of the individual's symptoms, such as family members or friends, religious or scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The doctor will want know how the symptoms have been present and their severity. tests for adhd in adults will also determine if the individual has any other mental health issues which could be causing their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
The clinician will then discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss how to manage the symptoms. The doctor may suggest specific counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These special treatments are designed to tackle the various challenges that people with ADHD face. This includes impulsivity and planning, follow-through and organization. They can also teach techniques such as self-care and emotional regulation and provide practical strategies for managing the demands of daily life and relationships. In some instances, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.