ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A complete ADHD evaluation includes a thorough interview with the person being evaluated and one or more questionnaires designed to evaluate the severity of symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically interviewed, too.
To be diagnosed with ADHD children or adults must exhibit symptoms in at least two or more situations and the symptoms aren't triggered by other medical issues, such as seizure or thyroid disorders.
History
Contacting your primary healthcare provider is the first step towards getting an ADHD diagnosis. They could refer you to an expert in mental health care, who will do an evaluation that includes a complete examination and history. The test includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptoms, as well as psychological tests.
ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. However it can affect a person at any age. Adults with ADHD who are not treated can have problems at work, in their relationships, and may be more susceptible to addiction and depression. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure that treatment can begin.
While there have been mentions of children suffering from behavioral problems similar to those of ADHD in the 18th century, modern ADHD history began with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Still was a famous pediatrician who noted that many of his patients were easily distracted and had difficulty staying focused on tasks. He believed these symptoms were related to the way their brains functioned and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitude.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, it was known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a symptom vital until the year 1980, when DSM-III was introduced. At that time, the ADD subtype was eliminated and the resultant designation was ADHD.
KMN Psych's ADHD testing process is thorough and thoroughly assesses the patterns of behavior and cognitive thinking which can be used to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. The results are used to create tailored interventions and educational accommodations, as also treatment plans that enhance productivity, daily functioning, and long-term success.
In the initial visit, the clinician will take an in-depth look at the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the individual's home life, school performance and career. The clinician will also gather information regarding the person's family background and will also interview family members. They will employ standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically involves a physical exam that measures the height, weight, and pulse. A medical history is also taken and includes any prescription, over-the-counter and illicit medicines that are frequently taken. The examiner will also assess hearing and vision. The examiner will also test for any other health or behavioral disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for other conditions because many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms alone the conditions could be missed.
The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment. They will inquire about the individual's behavior at home, at school and work. If appropriate, they will also discuss the family and social history of the person. The psychologist will ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These are questionnaires which utilize research to assess the behaviour of people who have ADHD and those without. The person who is being evaluated must answer the questions honestly and in a clear manner. They should not hide any information due to shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the clinician will go through the notes or records of previous assessments. They will be looking for a pattern of symptoms that are consistent and don't change over time. adhd online tests will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's life.
In some cases an exam doctor may recommend a medical exam or laboratory tests in order to determine the physical cause for the symptoms. These include thyroid problems and seizure disorders. These medical exams are not part of the diagnosis, but they could be vital in identifying other health issues that could be causing or similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital to ensure that someone receives the help they require at school, at work and in their community. An ADHD diagnosis can unlock many different accommodations and treatment options that improve daily functioning productivity, and long-term success. A correct diagnosis can help people understand their unique issues, and pinpoint the strategies and methods that work best for them.
Psychological Tests
If you are concerned that you or your children may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, you should speak with a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat this condition. The doctor you visit will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also carry out an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is crucial as it helps distinguish ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview the health professional will ask you a series standardized questions regarding your behavior and how it affects your daily life. He or she will also likely interview your parents and teachers to gain a full understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related ADHD or if other factors such as stress or medical issues are responsible.
Your evaluator may also ask about your family history and any mental health issues that you've experienced. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't miss any details. Your evaluator may also have you fill out questionnaires about your mood and performance like the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
A significant aspect of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different situations, such as at home, school, work, and play. During these observations your evaluater will document the frequency and intensity of your symptoms as well as the impact of your symptoms on your daily life. He or she may utilize a standard observation form to record results.
Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator could recommend are an organized behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and training for parents. These methods can help your child or yourself how to cope with the symptoms of ADHD. They can help you create structure and regularity at school, home and at home and help reduce the disturbances caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
A proper diagnosis is essential for a successful treatment. This process is highly individual and requires lots of clinical judgment. It typically involves analyzing data obtained from various sources. This involves evaluating the scales of behavior and education completed parents, teachers, and children, observing the individual, and then observing them in different settings (e.g. home or school, and at work). The clinician will also assess how the symptoms affect their ability to manage daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other potential 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 that are sent directly to the clinic; others will conduct an evaluation of the teacher and parent in person during the initial appointment. Additionally, a review of previous evaluations and treatment records are usually included in the evaluation.
In certain instances the doctor might seek information from people familiar with the symptoms of a person, such as family friends, religious leaders, scouts, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will also want to know whether the symptoms have developed for a long time and how severe they are. They will also determine if the person suffers from other mental health issues which could be causing their ADHD symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
When the results are available The doctor will go over them with the individual. They will also discuss the best ways to alleviate the symptoms. The physician may suggest specialized counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies are specifically designed to tackle many of the challenges that individuals with ADHD confront, such as inattention and difficulty organizing, planning, and executing. They also provide practical strategies for managing your daily responsibilities and relationships, and also teach techniques for emotional regulation and self-care. In some instances, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.