ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Instead, experts employ a variety of tools to solicit information and assess the symptoms of a person.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are a crucial part of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to screen, assess the patient, and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD tests include a thorough interview with the person being assessed. The evaluation is performed by a professional such as a doctor, psychologist or clinical social worker. The doctor will ask the person about their history and present symptoms. Many evaluators utilize standardized behavior ratings scales. These tests are based on research studies that compare behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in their own right, but add crucial, objective data to the assessment. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed with an established ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both adults and children, the clinician will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This will help to identify other conditions that can occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator also will look into the person's medical history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather background information on the person's surroundings and family. adhd assessment london may ask whether the person's parents, or any other relatives, have ADHD and what signs they experienced.
These tests can be extremely beneficial to the examiner particularly if the diagnosis is not clear. However, these tests have limited effectiveness as the main method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. They don't accurately reflect the complexity of daily adult life.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable data on how the brain functions over just a few minutes. The results are useful only to identify certain kinds of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately reflect how the brain works during everyday situations such as working, school and in relationships.
To get a more precise diagnosis, it is best to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to locate an expert.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at school, work or in relationships with friends. It also makes it difficult to deal with daily frustrations in a healthy way. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms may lead to serious consequences such as loss of employment, broken friendships and other negative consequences.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have symptoms that persist throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally and be present prior to the age of 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are among the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty keeping track of the task at hand, missing important information, and having trouble remembering things. One may also be lacking organizational skills, or experience trouble following directions and keeping track many tasks at the same time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. A person with this type of ADHD may also have difficulty getting their turn and interrupting other people.
These signs are typically seen in children when they first begin school. They may have a difficult time in school due to the demands of academics and may become frustrated with their inability to organize themselves or focus. They can also experience difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist throughout adulthood, which can lead to difficulties at work, in romantic relationships, and with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to achieve success or there's something wrong with them. But it's important to realize that having ADHD does not mean that you're less capable or intelligent.
Your primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview you, your partner, and other family members and friends. To assess the severity of your symptoms, they employ scales for behavior and lists of symptoms. They will also review the medical history as well as your education. They might also recommend you undergo an examination of your body or take psychological tests to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have been struggling at school. It could be because of the often-dreaded "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but don't know what it means. Is your child lazy, or does he have a problem that's more easily to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is essential. It is important to determine whether the issues result from excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family physician can help you decide if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of the symptoms, and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's health background, their growth in childhood, their academic and professional experience, driving records, as well as their marital and family history. The examiner will also look for other disorders such as learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able discuss the issues honestly and openly. It is crucial that the person who is being evaluated does not hide from embarrassment or out of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to determine how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and help to suggest treatments.
To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD there must be a number of symptoms that have been present before age 12 and be "impairing" in at least two of the major settings such as school or at home. It's more than just being forgetful or having trouble managing assignments; it's getting fired from a job due to inattention, not completing an assignment on time, or causing conflict and stress in a marriage.
A lot of doctors conduct interviews with both the patient and loved ones, such as spouse, sibling, or parent. They may also ask opinions from those who spend a great deal of time with patients such as a coach or nanny. This kind of personal information often provides information that cannot be obtained from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also perform physical examinations and lab tests like blood and urinary testing to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment
A doctor may perform an ADHD assessment to determine if there is an underlying reason, such as a mood illness or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation requires examining the person's medical and mental background, analyzing past and present behavior and school performance, and contacting teachers, family members and other family members to get a more complete picture of how the person operates in various environments.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Certain people are prescribed medications to increase focus and concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications which take longer time to effect results, but they can enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also part of many treatment plans, especially for children. For instance, a therapist might teach them organizational strategies to make it easier for them to keep track of their belongings or use mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marital counseling can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD, as it helps them develop how to communicate and problem-solve that will help them deal with their difficulties at home and at work.
In addition, many with ADHD can manage their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, sleeping enough and exercise, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It is also beneficial to ask for support from family and friends, sign up to an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training course that can provide them with techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to learn the way their treatment works and to identify any potential side effects. GPs can also refer people who suffer from ADHD to an psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and diagnosis.