ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A complete ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview with the person being assessed, as well as one or more standardized questionnaires designed to rate the symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically interviewed, too.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults or children must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings and the symptoms aren't caused by another medical problem like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorders.
History
The first step of getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. You could be referred to a mental healthcare professional who will conduct an assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination. The assessment includes standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD and ADD lists of symptoms and psychological tests.
Generally, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. However it can affect anyone of any age. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may have difficulties at work or in relationships, and are at a higher likelihood of committing suicide, depression and even criminal activities. It is important to get a proper 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 begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Still was a well-known pediatrician who observed that many of his patients were easily distracted and had trouble staying focused on tasks. He believed that these signs were due to the way their brains worked and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitudes.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, it was called attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA didn't recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something essential until 1980 when DSM-III was introduced. The ADD subtype was dropped and the resulting classification was changed to ADHD.
KMN Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the behavioral and cognitive patterns of a person that can either confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. This information is used to design individualized interventions and educational accommodations, as also treatment plans that improve productivity, daily functioning, and long-term success.
In the first visit, the clinician will take an in-depth look at the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the person's life at home, school performance and career. The clinician will also gather information about the person's family history and will interview family members. They will use standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptoms checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process includes physical examinations that measure height, body weight, and pulse. The medical history is collected, including prescription, over-the prescription and illicit drugs. The examiner will also test hearing and vision. The examiner will also look for other behavioral or health disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for any other medical conditions since many people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms by themselves they can be missed.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse who is conducting the evaluation will talk to the person being assessed. They will inquire about the individual's behavior at school, home, and work. If appropriate, they will also discuss family and social histories. The psychologist might request the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that make use of research to assess the behavior of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being tested should answer the questionnaires honestly and openly. They should not repress any information to avoid shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the clinician will go through the notes and records from previous examinations. They will be looking for patterns of symptoms that are similar and do not change over time. They will take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life.
In certain instances, the examiner will suggest a medical exam or laboratory tests to rule out the underlying physical causes of the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. These tests are not part of a diagnosis, but can be vital in identifying other health problems that could be contributing to or similar to ADHD symptoms.
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure a person gets the support they require in school, at work and in their community. An ADHD diagnosis can open an array of treatments and accommodations that improve daily functioning productivity and long-term success. A correct diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific difficulties, and determine the strategies and techniques that work best for them.
Psychological Tests
If you are concerned that you or your children could have ADHD then you should seek out a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat this condition. The person you see will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a psychological evaluation that may include cognitive and behavioral tests. The evaluation is crucial because it helps differentiate ADHD from other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview, your health care practitioner will conduct a series of routine questions about your behavior and how it impacts your life. They will also likely speak with your parents and teachers to gain a full picture of the issues you are experiencing. This will aid in determining whether they are related to ADHD or if other causes such as stress or medical conditions may be the cause.
Your evaluator will also want to know about your family history and any other mental health issues you have experienced. You can write down your concerns and specific behaviors to make sure you don't miss any details. You may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your mood and functioning. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS).
Behavioural observations in a variety of situations, including at home, school or at work, as well when you play is a major part of the ADHD clinical evaluation. In these instances your evaluator will take note of the frequency and intensity of your symptoms, as well as their impact on your life. He or she will also utilize a standardized observation form to document the results of the observation.
Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator could recommend are an organized behavior plan as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and training for parents. These methods can help you or your child cope with the symptoms associated with ADHD. They can assist you in creating the right structure and consistency at home, in school and help reduce the chaos that hyperactivity and impulsivity cause.
Counseling
The correct diagnosis is crucial for getting an effective treatment. This process is highly individualized and requires a great deal of clinical judgment. It typically involves analyzing information from various sources. This includes evaluating ratings of educational and behavior scales completed by teachers, parents and children, as well as interviewing the person, and watching them at different situations (e.g. home, school, and work). The doctor will also determine the impact of their symptoms on their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships and will rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities.
A thorough evaluation usually takes between one and two hours. adhd tests for adults require parents and teachers to fill out 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 assessment will also include a review of prior evaluations and treatment records.
In some cases the physician might seek information from people who are familiar with the symptoms of a person like family members, friends, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The clinician will also need to know whether the symptoms have developed for a while and the severity of them. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that may be contributing their ADHD symptoms.
The doctor will then go over 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 therapy. These therapies are specifically designed to address many of the issues that people with ADHD confront, such as the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning and following through. They can also teach techniques such as self-care and emotional regulation, as well as practical strategies for managing everyday responsibilities and relationships. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.