ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. Instead, experts employ different instruments to collect information about and evaluate a person's symptoms.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an important component of the overall assessment process that is necessary to screen, assess the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments require a thorough interview between the evaluator and the person who is being assessed. A professional like a psychologist, doctor or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The doctor will ask the patient about their past and current symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These scales are based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. They aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they add important objective data to the evaluation. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form from the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both adults and children, the clinician will also utilize a behavioral checklist. This will check for other disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also look at the person's current and past medications. Additionally, the doctor will look over medical records and gather background information about the person's family and environment. The evaluator might ask if the person's parents, or other relatives have ADHD and the symptoms they experienced.
Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide crucial information to assist the evaluator in diagnosing ADHD especially when there is some doubt about the diagnosis. These tests are not useful as the primary tool to determine ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They don't take into account the variety of situations that adults have to face.
adhd diagnostic assessment london called SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable data on how the brain works for just a few minutes. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries and diseases. They don't accurately represent how the brain works in everyday situations, such as school, at work and in relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience in the assessment and management of ADHD. The best way to find this type of person is via a referral from an therapist, doctor or other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause problems at school, work or in personal relationships. It also makes it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy way. If not treated, ADHD symptoms may cause severe consequences like job loss, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally and must be present prior the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention symptoms could include difficulties staying focused, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. The person could also display poor organizational skills or have difficulty following directions and keeping track of several 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 getting their turn and interrupting others.
Children are often afflicted with these kinds of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They may have a difficult time in school due to the demands of academics and then become frustrated due to their inability to organize or concentration. They can also experience difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood, causing difficulties at work as well as in romantic relationships and with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, believing they're not smart enough to be successful or they believe something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD doesn't mean you are less intelligent or capable.
To determine if you have ADHD the primary care physician or mental health professional will conduct an exhaustive examination. They will ask about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. They will utilize behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also review the medical history as well as your education. They might also refer you to physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling in school. You might be concerned about the ever-present snow day or even the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but aren't sure what it means. Are your children lazy, or does she have a problem that is easier to be treated than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine whether the issues are caused by excessive screen time, inadequate parenting or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview and a review of symptoms and the use of scales for rating or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's past health, developmental progress going back to childhood as well as work and academic experience, driving history and marital and family relationships. The doctor will also test for other disorders such as learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It is essential to not be hesitant due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. This will assist the examiner recognize how ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and to recommend solutions.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be made there must be a variety of signs that must have manifested before age 12 and must be "impairing" at least in two important environments, such as school or at home. It's more than just being forgetful or having trouble keeping up with assignments; it's getting fired from a job for inattention, not completing the task on time or causing conflict and distress in a relationship.
A lot of doctors conduct interviews with the patient as well as loved ones, such as spouse, sibling, or parent. They might also seek feedback from people that spend a great deal of time with the patients like a coach or nanny. This kind of personal information often uncovers information that can't be obtained from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct an examination of the body and conduct tests in the laboratory, such as blood and urine testing, to rule out possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider may perform an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is a root cause, such as a mental condition or another physical condition that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the patient's mental and medical history, evaluating past and present behavior and school performance, and contacting teachers, family members and other caregivers to obtain a more complete picture of how the person performs in various settings.
People with ADHD typically benefit from a mix of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some people are prescribed medication to improve focus and concentration and reduce the impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer time to effect results, but they can help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. The therapist might teach them organization strategies to assist them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and better manage their time. Marital or family counseling can also be helpful for adults with ADHD because it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also discover that they can lessen their symptoms if they consume an appropriate diet, get enough sleep and exercise, as well as reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek help from friends and family or join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tips and tools to manage their symptoms. People 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 negative effects. GPs may refer people with ADHD for further evaluation or a diagnosis to psychiatrists or a clinical psychologist.