ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather data and observe the symptoms of a person.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are a crucial element of the comprehensive assessment process that is necessary to screen, evaluate, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person who is being evaluated. The evaluation is performed by a specialist such as a doctor, psychologist, or clinical social worker. The clinician will ask about the person's past and current symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research studies that compare behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They aren't diagnostic in their own right but they do provide information that can be used to evaluate. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be assessed using the standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both children and adults, the clinician will also utilize a behavioral checklist. This will help to identify other conditions that can co-occur along with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator also will look into the person's history and current medications. The doctor will also look over medical records and gather background information on the person's environment and family. The examiner may inquire whether the parents, or any other relatives, have ADHD and what signs they experienced.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide crucial information to assist the evaluator in determining ADHD particularly when there is some doubt regarding the diagnosis. These tests aren't useful as the primary tool to diagnose ADHD due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the variety of situations that adults face in everyday life.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging gives valuable information about how the brain functions over a the short time. The results are useful only to identify certain kinds of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately reflect the way the brain functions in everyday situations, such as school, at work and in relationships.
It is recommended to speak with an expert in mental health who has expertise in the assessment and management of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best way to find such an individual.
Symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and retaining self-control. This can cause issues at work, school or in personal relationships. It can also make it difficult to manage everyday frustrations in a healthy manner. If not treated, ADHD symptoms can lead to serious consequences such as the loss of a job, friendships broken and other negative consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of an individual must be present throughout the adolescent and childhood years. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in daily life, and they must have been present prior to age 12.
Inattention and impulsivity are among the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattention symptoms could include difficulties staying focused, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. One may also be lacking organizational skills, or experience trouble following directions and keeping track many tasks at the same time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. People with this kind of ADHD might also have difficulty getting their turn and interrupting others.
These signs are typically seen in children as they begin school. They may struggle in school due to academic demands and may become frustrated with their inability to organize themselves or focus. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships because they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, causing problems at work as well as with romantic partners or even with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel ashamed or blame themselves. They may think they are not capable of achieving success or that there is something wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD doesn't mean you aren't smarter or able.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care provider or mental health professional will perform an extensive examination. They will ask about your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life. They will also interview your spouse as well as other family members and your friends. To determine your symptoms, they will employ scales for behavior and symptom lists. They will also review your medical history and educational background. diva adhd assessment might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests to rule out any other conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling at school. It could be due to the often-dreaded "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but you don't know what it means. Is your kid just lazy or is there a problem that's easier to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You must determine whether your problems are caused by excessive screen time, inadequate parenting, or a medical condition. Your family doctor can assist you to determine if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
In general, an ADHD assessment involves an interview and a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the patient's medical background, their growth since the age of a child as well as their academic and professional experiences, driving records, as well as their marital and family history. The doctor will also test for other issues, like learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues in a candid and honest manner. It is essential that the person being evaluated is not hiding behind embarrassment, or out of fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to understand how ADHD affects daily life and recommend treatment options.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed, a number of symptoms must have manifested before age of 12 and must be "impairing" at least in two important situations like home or school. The impairment goes beyond being unable to remember or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also mean being dismissed from a job because of tardiness, or failing to complete a task on time, or creating tension and conflict in relationships.
Many doctors will interview both the patient and loved ones, such as spouse, sibling, or parent. They may also request for feedback from those who spend a great deal of time with the patients such as a nanny or coach. This type of personal insight will reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, such as urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider can do an ADHD assessment to determine if there's a root cause, such as an anxiety disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental histories, analyzing their behavior in the past and present as well as their school performance. It also includes contact with family as well as teachers and other family members to get an accurate picture of the person's performance in different environments.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a combination of treatments, according to Dr. Frank. Certain medications are prescribed to help improve concentration and focus, and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines which take longer to work but also help improve attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of the majority of treatment plans, especially for children. The therapist might teach them strategies for organizing to aid them in keeping the track of their activities or practice mindfulness meditation to help improve their ability to control their impulses and manage their time. Family or marriage counseling is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. It teaches them problem-solving and communication skills that can help them deal with their challenges both at home and at work.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also find that they can manage their symptoms if they consume well balanced meals, get enough rest, exercise and reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be helpful to seek support from family and friends or join a support group or participate in an ADHD coach training program which can teach them tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People who are diagnosed with ADHD should see their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to ensure they to understand the effectiveness of their treatment and to deal with any side consequences. The GP can also refer patients with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists for further evaluation and diagnosis.