ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A complete ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with the person being assessed, along with one or more standardized questionnaires designed to rate the symptoms. Teachers and parents are often also interviewed.
Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to exhibit symptomatic behavior in at minimum two settings and the symptoms can't be caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
History
Talking to your primary healthcare provider is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. They could refer you to an expert in mental health, who will do an evaluation that includes a complete history and physical exam. The assessment includes standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD and ADD symptoms as well as psychological tests.
Generally speaking, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than in adults. The disorder can affect anyone of any age. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are likely to struggle at work or in their relationships and are more at likelihood of committing suicide, depression and even criminal activity. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis so that treatment can begin.
While there are references to children suffering from behavior issues that are similar to ADHD that go back as far as the 18th Century, the modern history of ADHD began with Sir Frederick Still’s observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who observed that many of his patients were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their tasks. He believed these symptoms were related to the way their brains functioned and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitude.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, it was known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not consider hyperactivity to be a symptom essential until 1980 when DSM-III was introduced. At that time, the ADD subtype was eliminated and the resultant designation was ADHD.
KMN The Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the patterns of behavior and cognitive thinking which can be used to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. This information is used to create tailored interventions and educational accommodations as and treatment plans which improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term success.
During the initial visit the clinician takes a detailed history of the person’s problem behavior, as well as their impact on their personal life, school performance and professional career. The doctor will also collect information regarding the person's family history and will interview family members. They will use standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom lists and psychological tests that assess executive function, working memory, skills (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities (related to space), and reasoning (thinking).
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process usually includes a physical exam that measures the height, weight, and pulse. A medical history is also taken which includes prescription, over-the-counter or illicit drugs that are regularly taken. The examiner will also test vision and hearing. The examiner will also check for any other health or behavioral disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other conditions because many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. When focusing on ADHD symptoms on their own they can be missed.
The person being evaluated will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nursing practitioner who is conducting the assessment. They will ask questions about the person's behavior at home, school and at work. They will also discuss the family and social history of the person, as appropriate. Learn Even more may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that make use of research to compare behaviors of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being evaluated should answer the questions honestly and openly. They should not hide any information due to embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will review the notes and records from previous assessments. They will be looking for patterns of symptoms that are similar and do not change over time. They will evaluate the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily activities.
In some instances an examiner might suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests in order to determine if there are physical causes for the symptoms. These could include thyroid issues and seizure disorder. These medical exams are not part of the diagnosis, however they could be vital in identifying other health issues that may be causing or similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that an individual receives the assistance they require in their school, at work and in their community. A valid ADHD diagnosis can provide an array of treatments and accommodations that can improve daily functioning, productivity and long-term success. Furthermore, a valid diagnosis can help individuals understand their unique challenges and identify the strategies and coping strategies that are most effective for them.
Psychological Tests
If you are concerned that you or your children could be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a health professional who is certified to diagnose and treat this condition. The professional you see will ask you various questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child is experiencing are consistent with the requirements for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which may involve tests for cognitive function and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important because it helps distinguish ADHD from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
During the diagnostic exam, your health care provider will ask you a set of common questions regarding your behavior and its impact on your life. The doctor will likely talk to your teachers and parents to obtain a more complete picture of the issues you are experiencing. This can aid in determining whether they are a result of ADHD or whether other factors such as stress or medical issues might be the cause.
Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you have experienced. You can write down your concerns and specific behaviors to make sure you don't forget any details. Your evaluator might also require you fill out questionnaires on your mood and functioning, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
Behavioural observations in a variety of environments, like at school, at home, the workplace, and when you play is a crucial aspect of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these assessments, your evaluation specialist will note the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your life. He or she may use a standard observation form to record your results.
Some behavioral interventions that your evaluator might recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and training for parents. These strategies can help you or your child deal with the symptoms that are associated with ADHD. They can also help you establish a structure and regularity at home, at school, and at work, to minimize the stress caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure the most effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. It typically involves analyzing data taken from a variety of sources. This includes evaluating the behavior of the child and academic rating scales completed by teachers, parents and children; interviewing the individual; and observing them in various environments (e.g. at school, home, or at work). The clinician will also assess the symptoms and how they affect the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships, and other aspects of daily life.
A thorough evaluation typically lasts between one and two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and educators to fill out online questionnaires that are then sent directly to the clinic; others will offer an evaluation of the teacher and parent in person during the initial appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of previous evaluations and the treatment records.
In certain situations the doctor may seek information from others who are aware of the individual's symptoms such as family members, friends, religious and scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The physician will also want to know whether the symptoms have been present for a long time and how severe they are. They will also determine if the person has other mental health problems that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
After the results have been reported The doctor will go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to help manage the symptoms. The physician will usually recommend specialized counseling such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specific treatments are designed to tackle the many problems that people with ADHD have to face. This includes impulsivity, planning organization, and following through. They can also offer practical strategies to manage daily tasks and relationships, as well as teaching skills for self-care and emotional regulation. In certain instances medications may be suggested to manage the symptoms.