ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A thorough ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview with the person being assessed along with one or more questionnaires that are designed to assess the symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically interviewed, too.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults or children must have symptomatic behavior in more than one setting and the symptoms don't stem from other medical issues, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
History
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. They could refer you to an expert in mental health, who will do an evaluation that includes a complete examination and history. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are often included in this assessment.
ADHD is diagnosed more often in children than adults. However it can affect anyone of any age. Adults with untreated ADHD are likely to struggle at work or in relationships and are more at chance of developing addiction problems or depression, and may even engage in criminal activities. It is essential to obtain a proper diagnosis, to ensure that treatment can begin.
Although there were reports of children suffering from behavioral problems resembling those of ADHD as early as the 18th century, the modern ADHD history begins with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Still was a renowned pediatrician who noted that many of his patients were easily distracted and had difficulty staying focused on tasks. He believed that these signs were due to the way their brains functioned and not because of lazy parenting or poor parenting.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, the disorder was known as a attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity, or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as an essential sign until the year 1980, when they released DSM-III. The ADD subtype became ADHD at the time.
The KMN Psych ADHD testing process thoroughly assesses cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. This information helps to create specific interventions such as educational accommodations, treatment and plans that enhance daily functioning, productivity and long-term success.
During an initial visit, the clinician will take an extensive history of the patient's behavior issues and their impact on home life, school performance and career. The doctor will also talk to relatives and gather information about a person's past. They will use standard behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically includes physical tests that measure height, weight, and pulse. The medical history is collected and includes prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will also test vision and hearing. The examiner will also test for other behavioral or health disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other disorders since many people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms by themselves, these conditions can be missed.
The person being evaluated will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment. They will ask about the person's behavior in school in their home, at work and at work. They will also discuss family and social background, when appropriate. The psychologist might request the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that make use of research to assess the behavior of people with and without ADHD. The person who is being tested must respond completely and honestly. They should not conceal any information due to shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the clinician will go through any notes or reports from previous evaluations. They will search for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that are consistent over time and that do not get better or worse. They will evaluate the severity of symptoms and their impact on the person's daily activities.
In some instances an examiner might recommend a medical exam or lab tests to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. This could be thyroid issues and seizure disorders. These tests are not part of a diagnosis, but can be vital in identifying any other health issues that may be contributing to or mimicking ADHD symptoms.
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure a person gets the assistance they need in school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD could open up many treatments and accommodations that could improve daily functioning and productivity. In addition, a proper diagnosis can help individuals comprehend their individual challenges and pinpoint the strategies and coping strategies that work best for their needs.
Psychological Tests
If you suspect that you or your children may have ADHD then you should seek out a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat this disorder. The doctor you visit will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also perform an evaluation of the psychological state that could include cognitive and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important as it helps distinguish ADHD from other disorders with similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic exam, your health care provider will ask you a series of questions that are standard for your behavior and the impact it has on your life. They will also likely talk to your parents and teachers to obtain a more complete understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This can help determine if they are a result of ADHD or if other causes, such as stress or medical issues, could be responsible.
Your evaluator may also want to be aware of your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you have had to deal with. You can write down your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't forget anything. testing for adhd in adults might also require you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and functioning, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
The main part of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in various situations, such as at home, school or work, as well as play. During these observations your evaluator will take note of the frequency and intensity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your daily life. The evaluator may use a standard form of observation to record results.
Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator might recommend are a structured behavior plan as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent training. These techniques can assist you or your child cope with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also assist you to establish structure and consistency at home at school, at home, and at work to reduce the stress caused by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Counseling
Getting the right diagnosis is essential to receive effective treatment. This process is highly individualized and requires a great deal of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing information obtained from various sources. This involves analyzing behavior and educational rating scales completed by teachers, parents and children, as well as interviewing the person, and watching them at different environments (e.g. at home or school, and at work). The doctor will also evaluate the symptoms and how they affect the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships and other aspects of daily life.
A thorough evaluation usually takes between one and two hours. Some clinics require parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires that are then sent directly to the clinic. Other clinicians will conduct parents and teachers with an evaluation in person during the initial appointment. The assessment will also include a review of prior evaluations and the treatment records.
In certain situations, a clinician may request information from other people who have direct knowledge of the patient's symptoms, such as family members or friends, religious and scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The doctor will want to determine how the symptoms have been present for and the degree to which they are severe. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health issues that may be causing the ADHD symptoms.
The doctor will then go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to manage the symptoms. The physician will usually recommend specialized counseling like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies are specifically designed to address many of the challenges that individuals with ADHD have to face, such as impulsivity and trouble with organizing, planning and following through. They can also provide practical strategies for managing your daily responsibilities and relationships, as well as teaching skills for self-care and emotional regulation. In some instances medications may be suggested to manage the symptoms.