ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves a medical interview with the person being evaluated, and one or more standardized questionnaires that are designed to assess the severity of symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically also interviewed.
Adults or children who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at least two different settings, and the symptoms cannot be caused by other medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
History
Talking to your primary healthcare provider is the first step in receiving an ADHD diagnosis. You could be referred to an expert in mental health who will perform an assessment that includes a full history and physical examination. This evaluation includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptoms, as well as psychological tests.
Generally, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than adults. However adhd tests for adults can affect anyone of any age. Adults with ADHD who are not treated may experience problems at work, in their relationships, and could be more prone to substance abuse and depression. It is vital to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can start.
There have been reports of children suffering from behavioral problems similar to those of ADHD from the 18th century, the modern ADHD history began with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a renowned child psychiatrist who observed that his children were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their work. He believed that these symptoms were due to the brain's functioning and not due to poor parenting or laziness.
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 vital until the year 1980 when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at the time.
KMN Psych’s ADHD testing process thoroughly assesses cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out the ADHD diagnosis. This information is utilized to develop individualized interventions and educational accommodations, as and treatment plans that enhance efficiency, daily functioning and long-term results.
During the initial visit, the doctor will provide a thorough account of the patient's problematic behaviors, and their impact on his or her home life, school performance, and work. The doctor will also collect information regarding the family history of the person and will conduct a family interview. They will use standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that look at working memory, executive functioning skills (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically includes physical examination that measures the height, weight, and pulse. A medical history is taken which includes prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs that are regularly taken. The examiner will assess hearing and vision. The examiner may also check to determine if any other disorders of the brain or body are present that resemble the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for other conditions because many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. These are often overlooked when focusing solely on the symptoms of ADHD.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse who is conducting the assessment will interview the person being assessed. They will ask about the behavior of the individual at school as well as at home and at work. They will also talk about the family and social history, when appropriate. The psychologist will ask the person to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These are questionnaires which make use of research to evaluate the behaviour of people who have ADHD and those who don't. The person who is being evaluated must answer the questions honestly and candidly. They should not hide any information out of fear of embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will review any notes or reports from previous evaluations. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are consistent and do not change over time. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life.
In certain instances an examiner might recommend a medical exam or laboratory test to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. These include thyroid problems and seizure disorder. These tests are not part of a diagnosis but can be vital in identifying other health issues that may be contributing to or mimicking ADHD symptoms.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure a person gets the assistance they need in school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD could open up an array of treatments and accommodations that could improve daily functioning and productivity. A proper diagnosis can also aid individuals in understanding their individual issues, and pinpoint the strategies and methods that are effective for them.
Psychological tests
If you're worried that your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to visit an experienced health professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating this disorder. The person you see will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also perform an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive assessments and behavioral assessments. This is vital as it helps distinguish ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic exam, your healthcare provider will ask you a series of common questions regarding your behavior and its impact on your life. They might also talk to your parents and/or teachers to get more information about the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other triggers such as stress or medical issues could be at fault.
Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you have experienced. It is useful to write down a list of your concerns and the specific behaviors that worry you, so you will not forget anything. Your evaluator could also ask you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and functioning, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
The main aspect of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different settings, including school, home or work, as well as play. In these instances, the evaluator will record the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your life. He or she will also use a standardized observation form to document the results of the observation.
Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator may recommend include a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These methods can help your child or yourself how to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They can help you create the right structure and consistency at home, in school and at work to minimize the disturbances that hyperactivity and impulsivity cause.
Counseling
The right diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing information taken from a variety of sources. This includes evaluating behavior and academic rating scales completed by parents, teachers and children; interviewing the individual; and monitoring them in different settings (e.g. school, home, work). The doctor will also look at the symptoms and how they affect the ability to manage everyday tasks, relationships and other aspects of life.
A thorough evaluation typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics require parents and educators to fill out online questionnaires which are then sent directly to the clinic. Others will offer a parent and teacher evaluation in person at the time of the initial appointment. The evaluation may also include a review of previous evaluations and the treatment records.
In some cases, the clinician might seek information from people who are familiar with the symptoms of a person, such as family friends, religious leaders, family members, scouts, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will want determine how the symptoms have been present and their severity. They will also check if there are any other mental health issues that may be contributing their ADHD symptoms.
When the results are available the doctor will discuss them with the patient. They will also discuss ways to manage the symptoms. The physician may suggest specific counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive therapy. These therapies are specifically designed to address many of the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face, such as the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning and executing. They can also provide practical strategies to manage daily tasks and relationships, and teaching strategies for emotional regulation and self-care. In certain instances it is possible to prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.