ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A thorough ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview of the person being assessed, as well as one or more questionnaires designed to rate symptoms. Parents and teachers are usually also interviewed.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults or children must have symptomatic behavior in two or more settings and the symptoms aren't caused by other medical issues, such as seizure or thyroid disorders.
History
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. You may be referred to psychiatrists who will perform an assessment, which includes a complete medical history and physical exam. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are usually included in this evaluation.
Generally speaking, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. However testing adhd in adults can affect a person at any age. Adults with ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties at work, in their relationships, and are more prone to addiction and depression. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can start.
Although there are references to children suffering from behavior issues that are similar to ADHD dating back as far as the 18th Century The modern history of ADHD begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who observed that many of his patients were easily distracted and couldn't stay focused on their tasks. He believed that these symptoms were due to the way their brains functioned and not a result of bad parenting or lazy attitudes.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At that time, the condition was classified as an hyperactivity-related attention deficit disorder or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something vital until the year 1980 when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype was eliminated and the resultant designation was ADHD.
KMN Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the behavioral and cognitive patterns to confirm or exclude an 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 performance.
During the initial visit, the clinician takes a detailed history of the person’s problem behaviors, and their impact on their personal life, school performance and work. The clinician will also speak with family members and gather details about a person's history. They will use standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process usually includes physical examination that measures the height, weight, and pulse. A medical history is taken, including any prescription, over-the-counter and illicit medicines that are frequently taken. The examiner will also test vision and hearing. The examiner will also check for other health or behavioral disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to look for other conditions because many people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms by themselves the conditions could be overlooked.
The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner conducting the assessment. They will ask questions about the person's behavior at home, at school and work. If appropriate, they will also discuss the family and social history of the person. The psychologist might ask the person to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that utilize research to measure the behavior of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being evaluated should answer the questions honestly and openly. They should not cover up any information due to embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will go through any notes or records from previous evaluations. They will look for a pattern of symptoms which are similar and do not change over time. They will consider the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's daily activities.
In certain cases an examiner may suggest a medical exam or lab tests to determine the root 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 issues that could be contributing to or similar to ADHD symptoms.
An accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to ensure that a person receives the assistance they require at school or at work, as well as in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide an array of treatments and accommodations that can enhance efficiency and daily functioning. Additionally, a correct diagnosis can help individuals understand their unique challenges and identify the strategies and coping mechanisms that work best for them.
Psychological Tests
If you're concerned that your child or you may be suffering from ADHD The first step is to see an experienced health professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating this condition. The doctor you visit will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive and behavioral tests. The evaluation is important as it helps distinguish ADHD from other disorders with similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview your health care provider will ask you a set of questions that are standard for your behavior and how it impacts on your life. The doctor may also speak with your parents and/or teachers to get more information about the signs you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other factors like stress or medical conditions could be the cause.
Your evaluator may also want to be aware of your family history and any other mental health issues that you have had to deal with. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't lose any details. Your evaluator could also ask you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and performance for example, the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
Observing your behavior in various settings, such as at school, home, the workplace, and when you play is an important part of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observation your evaluator will take note of the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as their impact on your daily life. The evaluator will utilize a standard observation form to record the results of the examination.
Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator might recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent training. These techniques can teach your child or you how to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can assist you in creating the right structure and regularity at school, home and at home and help reduce the disturbances caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
Making the right diagnosis is crucial for getting the most effective treatment. This process is highly individualized and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It typically involves analyzing data from a variety of sources. This includes evaluating behavior and academic rating scales completed by teachers, parents and children; conducting an interview with the individual; and observing them in various settings (e.g. at school, home, work). The doctor will also evaluate how the symptoms affect their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other possible causes for the symptoms like mood disorders or learning disabilities.
A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires which are then sent directly to the clinic; others will conduct parents and teachers with an evaluation in person during the initial appointment. Additionally an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records are usually included in the evaluation.
In some instances, the clinician may seek out details from those who are familiar with the symptoms of a person such as family members friends, religious leaders, scouts, coaches, and teachers. The physician will also need to know whether the symptoms have been present over time and how severe they are. They will also determine if the individual suffers from other mental health issues which could be causing their ADHD symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
The clinician will then discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to alleviate the symptoms. The doctor may suggest specialized counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These specific treatments are designed to address the various challenges that people with ADHD confront. This includes impulsivity and planning, organization, and following through. They also teach skills such as emotional regulation and self care and provide practical strategies for managing daily responsibilities and relationships. In certain instances it is possible to prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.