ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A thorough ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with the person being assessed and one or more standardized questionnaires designed to evaluate the symptoms. Teachers and parents are often interviewed as well.
Adults or children who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at minimum two settings and the symptoms can't be caused by medical conditions such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
History
Talking to your primary healthcare provider is the first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis. You may be referred an expert in mental health who will perform an assessment that includes a full medical history and physical exam. The test includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptoms, as well as psychological tests.
Generally, ADHD is more often recognized in children than adults. The disorder can affect anyone at any age. Adults with ADHD who aren't 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 so that treatment can begin.
While there are references to children with behavior issues that are similar to ADHD that date back as early as the 18th Century, the modern history of ADHD begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Still was a well-known pediatrician who noted that many of his patients were easily distracted and had difficulty staying focused on their work. He believed that these signs were due to the way their brains functioned and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitudes.
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 sign of something essential until the year 1980 when DSM-III was released. At that time, the ADD subtype was removed and the resulting designation became ADHD.
KMN Psych’s ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines cognitive and behavioral patterns to determine if there is an ADHD diagnosis. This information aids in the creation of specific interventions such as educational accommodations, treatment and plans that enhance daily functioning, productivity and long-term performance.
During an initial visit, the clinician will take a thorough history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on life at home and school performance as well as their career. The clinician will also gather details about the family history of the person and will conduct a family interview. They will use the standardized behavior rating scales used for ADHD, ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically includes a physical exam that measures the height, weight and pulse. The medical history is collected, including prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will evaluate vision and hearing. The examiner will also test for other health or behavioral disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for other conditions because many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms on their own, these conditions can be overlooked.
The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nursing practitioner conducting the assessment. They will ask questions about the individual's behavior at school, home, and work. They will also discuss family and social history, if appropriate. The psychologist will ask the patient 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 who don't. The person being tested must answer the questionnaires in a clear and honest manner. test for adhd adults should not repress any information for fear of shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the doctor will review the notes or records of previous examinations. They will look for a clear pattern of symptoms that is constant over time and do not get better or worse. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life.
In some cases an exam doctor may suggest a medical exam or laboratory test to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. This could be thyroid issues and seizure disorders. These tests are not part of a diagnosis however, they can be crucial in identifying other health issues which could be causing or similar to ADHD symptoms.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that an individual receives the help they require at school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide an array of treatment options 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 strategies that work best for them.
Psychological tests
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD The first step is to visit a health care professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating this disorder. The doctor you visit will ask you various questions to determine if the signs you or your child experiencing are consistent with the criteria for ADHD. He or she will also conduct a thorough psycho evaluation, which may include tests for cognitive function and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important as it can help distinguish ADHD from other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic exam, your doctor will ask you a set of questions that are standard for your behavior and its impact on your life. He or she may also interview your teachers and parents to get an understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other causes like stress or medical issues could be the cause.
Your evaluator may also ask about your family background and any mental health issues that you have had. Write down your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't forget any details. Your evaluator could also ask you fill out questionnaires about your mood and functioning for example, 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 environments, including at your home, school as well as at work and play. In these instances, the evaluation specialist will note the frequency and intensity as well as impact of your symptoms on your daily life. The evaluator will utilize a standardized observation form to record the results of the observation.
Your evaluator may recommend a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or parent training as behavioral treatments. These methods can help your child or yourself how to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also assist you to establish a structure and consistency at home at school, as well as at work to reduce the disturbances caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
The right diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires lots of clinical judgment. It typically involves analyzing data from a variety of sources. This involves analyzing the scales of behavior and education completed by teachers, parents and children, interviewing the individual, and observing them at different settings (e.g. at home or school, and at work). The doctor will also determine the impact of their symptoms on their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities.
A thorough assessment typically lasts between one and two hours. Some clinicians request parents and teachers to complete online questionnaires and send them directly to the clinic. Other clinicians will conduct a parent-teacher examination during the first appointment. Additionally an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records are usually included in the evaluation.
In some instances the physician might seek details from those who are familiar with the symptoms of an individual, such as family friends, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The clinician will want to know how long the symptoms have been present and the severity. They will also determine if the individual has other mental health problems that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
When the results are available the doctor will discuss them with the individual. They will also discuss how to manage the symptoms. The physician may suggest specialized counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These specific therapies are designed to address the various issues that people suffering from ADHD face. This includes impulsivity, planning, follow-through and organization. They also provide practical strategies for managing daily responsibilities and relationships, and also teach techniques to regulate emotions and self-care. In certain instances, medication can be prescribed to treat symptoms.