ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine if one has ADHD. Instead, experts employ different 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 form an integral part of the comprehensive evaluation process required to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the evaluator and the person being assessed. A clinician such as a psychologist doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will inquire about the person's past and current symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves, but add crucial, objective data to the assessment. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The clinician will use an assessment of behavior for adults and children. This will help to identify other conditions which often occur alongside ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator also will look into the person's history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather information about the person's family and environment. For instance, the evaluator will ask about whether the patient's parents or other relatives suffer from ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
These tests can be very helpful to the evaluator particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain. However they aren't able to provide the utility as the primary method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems with their sensitivity and accuracy. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the complex the situations that adults encounter in daily life.
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 to diagnose certain kinds of brain injuries and diseases. They don't accurately reflect how the brain functions in everyday situations like school, work and relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a specialist in mental health who is skilled in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best method to locate the right person.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to focus and maintaining self-control. This can cause problems at work, school, or in relationships. It also makes it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy manner. If not treated, ADHD symptoms may lead to grave consequences, such as job loss, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must be suffering from symptoms that persist throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in everyday life, and must have been present before age 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, missing important information, and having trouble remembering things. A person may also show poor organization skills or have trouble following instructions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. People with this kind of ADHD may also have trouble being patient or interrupting other people.
Children are often afflicted with these types of ADHD symptoms as they enter school. They may have a difficult time in school due to academic demands and then become frustrated due to their inability to organize themselves or focus. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships because they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue into adulthood, leading to difficulties at work and in romantic relationships and even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to achieve success or they believe something is wrong with them. It is crucial to realize that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less capable or intelligent.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care physician or mental health professional will perform a thorough evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and the effects they affect your life. They will also interview you, your partner, and other family members and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or take psychological tests to rule out any other ailments.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. You may be worried about the dreaded snow day or even the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD, but you don't know what it means -- is your kid just lazy or is there an issue that is easier to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You need to understand whether the issues are caused by excessive screen time, poor parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine if an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Generally the process of an ADHD evaluation involves an interview, review of symptoms and use of rating scales and checklists. Doctors will ask about the person's past health, development going back to childhood as well as work and academic experience, driving history and family and marital relationships. The examiner will also check for other disorders like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to talk about the problems openly and honestly. It is crucial to not hold back out of embarrassment or fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to understand how the ADHD symptoms impact daily life and help to suggest treatments.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD there must be a number of symptoms that be present prior to age 12, and must be "impairing" in at least two of the major settings such as home or school. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It can also include being fired from work for tardiness or failing to complete a task on time, or causing stress and conflict in a relationship.
Many doctors will interview both the patient and the loved ones like a spouse or sibling. They might also seek for feedback from those who spend a great deal of time with the patient like a nanny or coach. This kind of personal insight often provides information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, like urine and blood tests to rule out possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying cause, such as a mood disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation entails examining the person’s medical and mental histories, analyzing their past and current behavior and school performance. It also involves calling family members, teachers, and other caregivers to gather complete information about the person’s functioning in different settings.
Iampsychiatry with ADHD typically benefit from a variety of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Certain patients are prescribed medications to help improve concentration and focus and reduce the impulsiveness. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to take effect, but may improve attention skills such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is a part of most treatment plans, particularly for children. For instance, a therapy therapist could teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to keep track of their possessions, or they might use mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marital counseling could also be helpful for those suffering from ADHD because it helps them develop the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help them deal with their difficulties at the workplace and at home.
Many people with ADHD will also discover that they can manage their symptoms if they consume an appropriate diet, get enough rest, exercise and reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It can also be beneficial to seek assistance from family and friends, sign up to a support group or take part in an ADHD Coach training program that can teach them strategies and tools to manage their symptoms. People with ADHD should visit their GP for regular medication checkups to understand how their treatment is working 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.