ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A complete ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person who is being assessed and one or more standardized questionnaires that are designed to assess symptoms. Parents and teachers are usually interviewed, too.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults or children must have symptomatic behavior in more than one setting and the symptoms aren't caused by other medical issues, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
History
Contacting your primary healthcare provider is the first step towards receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They could refer you to a mental health professional, who will do an assessment that includes a thorough examination and history. This evaluation includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptom lists and psychological tests.
In general, ADHD is more often recognized in children than adults. The disorder can affect anyone of any age. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD can struggle at workplace or in relationships, and are at a higher risk of substance abuse as well as depression and criminal activity. It is important to get the correct diagnosis, to ensure that treatment can begin.
Although there are tests for adhd in adults to children with behavior problems similar to ADHD dating back as far as the 18th century, the modern history of ADHD began with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who observed that his children were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their tasks. He believed that these signs were due 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, the disorder was referred to as an hyperactivity-related attention deficit disorder, or ADD. The APA didn't recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something essential until 1980, when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype changed to ADHD at the time.
The KMN Psych ADHD testing process thoroughly assesses the patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning to determine if there is the ADHD diagnosis. This information can be used to design customized interventions such as educational accommodations, treatment and plans that boost productivity, daily functioning and long-term performance.
During an initial visit the clinician will conduct an extensive history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on family life as well as school performance and work. The clinician will also gather information regarding the family history of the person and will also interview family members. They will employ standard behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically includes physical examination that measures the height, weight and pulse. The medical history is taken, including prescription, over-the drug and illicit medicines. The examiner will test vision and hearing. The examiner will also look for other health or behavioral disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other conditions because many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. These can be neglected when you are focusing on the symptoms of ADHD.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse who is conducting the assessment will interview the person being assessed. They will inquire about the behavior of the individual at school, at home and at work. They will also discuss family and social history of the person, as appropriate. The psychologist will ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These are questions that utilize research to assess the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. The person being tested must respond honestly and openly. They should not hold back any information to avoid shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the doctor will review all notes or records of previous assessments. They will look for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that is consistent over time and that don't get better or worse. They will evaluate the severity of symptoms and their impact on the individual's daily activities.
In some instances, an examiner may recommend a medical exam or laboratory test to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. This could be thyroid issues and seizure disorder. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, however they are crucial in identifying other health issues that could be causing or mimicking the symptoms of ADHD.
An accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial to ensure that an individual receives the assistance they require at school, at work and in their community. A ADHD diagnosis can open many different solutions and accommodations that improve daily functioning productivity, and long-term achievement. A correct diagnosis can help people understand their unique issues, and pinpoint the strategies and techniques that are effective for them.
Psychological Tests
If you think you or your children may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a medical professional who is trained to recognize and treat this condition. The doctor you visit will ask you several questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child experiencing meet the requirements for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive assessments and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important because it can help distinguish ADHD from other disorders with similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
During the diagnostic exam, your health care provider will ask you a series of standard questions about your behavior and how it impacts on your life. He or she will also likely interview your teachers and parents to gain a full understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will aid in determining whether they are caused by ADHD or if other causes, such as stress or medical issues may be the cause.
Your evaluator might also inquire about your family background and any mental health issues that you've had. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to make sure you don't forget anything. Your evaluator could also ask you fill out questionnaires on your mood and performance for example, the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
Observing your behavior in various settings, such as at school, home, the workplace, and during play, is an important component of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observations the evaluator will record the frequency and intensity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your life. He or she may use a standard observation form to record the results.
Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator might recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and training for parents. These methods can assist you or your child deal with the symptoms that are associated with ADHD. They can also help you establish structure and consistency in your home at school, as well as at work to lessen the disturbances caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
The correct diagnosis is crucial to ensure the most effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires a great deal of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing data taken from a variety of sources. This involves evaluating the scales of behavior and education completed parents, teachers, and children, observing the person, and watching them at different environments (e.g. home, school, and work). The clinician will also assess how the symptoms affect their ability to manage everyday tasks and relationships. They will rule out other potential causes for the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities.
A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians will ask parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires and then send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher examination during the first appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of past evaluations and treatment records.
In certain situations, a clinician may request information from others who are directly aware of the patient's symptoms, such as family members, friends, religious and scout leaders, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will also want to know whether the symptoms have developed for a while and the severity of them. They will also check if there are any other mental health issues that may be causing their ADHD symptoms.
The clinician will then discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss what they can do to manage the symptoms. The clinician will often suggest specialized counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specific therapies are designed to address a variety of the issues that people with ADHD face, including impulsivity and trouble with organizing, planning and following through. They also teach skills such as emotional regulation and self care and provide practical strategies for managing everyday responsibilities and relationships. In some instances, medication may be recommended to help manage the symptoms.