ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A thorough ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with the person being evaluated, as well as one or more questionnaires that are designed to assess symptoms. Teachers and parents are often interviewed as well.
Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least 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 care, who will do an assessment that includes a thorough medical history and physical exam. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are usually included in this assessment.
In general, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than adults. However, the disorder can impact anyone of any age. Adults with untreated ADHD are likely to struggle at workplace or in relationships and have higher likelihood of committing suicide, depression and even criminal activities. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis before treatment can start.
While there are references to children with behavior issues that are similar to ADHD dating back as far as the 18th century, the modern history of ADHD began with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Still was a famous pediatrician who observed that many of his patients were easily distracted and had trouble staying focused on their work. He believed these symptoms were related to the way their brains functioned and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitude.
In 1952, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the first edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. At the time, it was called attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as an essential symptom until 1980, when it released DSM-III. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at the time.
KMN Psych’s ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out the ADHD diagnosis. This information is used to design individualized interventions and educational accommodations, as also treatment plans which improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term results.
During the initial visit, the clinician takes a detailed account of the patient's problematic behaviors, and their impact on their personal life, school performance and professional career. The doctor will also talk to relatives and gather details about a person's history. They will use the standardized behavior rating scales used for ADHD and ADD/HD symptoms checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process involves physical tests that measure the body's weight, height, and pulse. A medical history is taken, including any prescription, over-the-counter or illicit medicines that are frequently taken. The examiner will also test vision and hearing. The examiner will also look for any other health or behavioral disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. test for adult adhd is crucial to screen for co-existing disorders such as depression, anxiety or learning disabilities. These can be neglected when you are focusing on the symptoms of ADHD.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner conducting the assessment will interview the person being assessed. They will ask about the person's behavior in school as well as at home and at work. They will also discuss the family and social history of the person, when appropriate. The psychologist might ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that utilize research to measure the behavior of people with and people who do not have ADHD. The person being tested must answer the questionnaires honestly and openly. They should not cover up any information because of embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will review any notes or records from previous assessments. They will search for a clear pattern of symptoms that is constant over time and don't get better or worse. They will assess the severity of the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily routine.
In certain instances an exam doctor may recommend a medical exam or lab tests to determine if there are physical causes for the symptoms. These include thyroid problems and seizure disorder. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, but they are crucial in identifying other health issues that may be contributing to or similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
An accurate and timely diagnosis is critical 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 treatment options and accommodations that can enhance efficiency and daily functioning. Furthermore, a valid diagnosis can help individuals understand their unique challenges and identify the strategies and coping strategies that work best for them.
Psychological tests
If you suspect that you or your children may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a health professional who is trained to diagnose and treat this condition. The professional you see will ask you several questions to determine if the signs you or your child is experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. They will also conduct a thorough psychological assessment, which could include tests of cognitive ability and behavioral assessment. The evaluation is important as it can help distinguish ADHD from other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
During the diagnostic interview the health professional will ask you a series routine questions regarding your behavior and how it affects your life. He or she will also likely interview your teachers and parents to get a complete understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will aid in determining whether they are caused by ADHD or if other factors such as stress or medical issues may be the cause.
Your evaluator might also inquire about your family background and any mental health issues you've experienced. It can be helpful to write down the issues you are concerned about and the specific behaviors that are troubling you, so that you do not forget any information. Your evaluator may also have you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and performance, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
Observing your behavior in various situations, including at home, school or at work, as well in play, is a crucial component of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observations your evaluator will take note of the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as their effects on your life. The evaluator will use a standardized observation form to record the results of the evaluation.
Some behavioral interventions that your evaluator might recommend are an organized behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These techniques can assist you or your child deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also assist you to establish order and consistency in your home, at school, and at work to lessen the disturbances caused by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Counseling
The correct diagnosis is crucial to get an effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires a great deal of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing information collected from multiple sources. This includes evaluating ratings of educational and behavior scales completed by teachers, parents, and children, observing the individual, and observing them in different situations (e.g. at home, school, and work). The doctor will also look at the symptoms and how they impact the ability to manage everyday tasks, relationships and other aspects of daily life.
A thorough assessment typically takes one to two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and educators to fill out online questionnaires that are sent directly to the clinic; others will conduct parents and teachers with an evaluation in person at the time of the initial appointment. The assessment will also include a review of previous evaluations and the treatment records.
In some cases, a clinician may request information from other people who have direct knowledge of the individual's symptoms such as family members, friends, religious and Scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The clinician will want to determine how long the symptoms have been present for and the degree to which they are severe. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health issues that could be causing the ADHD symptoms.
The doctor will then discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss what can be done to manage the symptoms. The doctor will typically suggest specialized counseling, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These special treatments are designed to address the numerous problems that people with ADHD face. This includes impulsivity and planning, organization, and following through. They also provide practical strategies for managing daily responsibilities and relationships, and teaching strategies for self-care and emotional regulation. In certain instances it is possible to prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.