ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Specialists use a variety of tools to gather information 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 form an integral part of the comprehensive evaluation process required to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being assessed. This is done by a specialist such as a doctor psychologist, or clinical social worker. The clinician will inquire with the person about their history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research studies that compare behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in themselves but they do add important, objective information to the assessment. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The clinician will use an assessment of behavior for adults and children. This looks for other conditions that often co-occur with ADHD like conduct disorder as well as oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also looks at the person's previous and current medication. Additionally, the doctor will look over medical records and gather details about the person's family and surroundings. For example, the evaluator will ask whether the person's parents or other relatives suffer from ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide valuable information to aid the evaluator in determining ADHD, especially when there is a degree of uncertainty about the diagnosis. However these tests are not of much effectiveness as the main tool for making an ADHD diagnosis due to issues with their sensitivity and accuracy. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the complexity of situations that adults face in everyday life.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging provides useful information about how the brain functions during a brief period of time. However the results are useful for diagnosing certain kinds of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately represent the way the brain functions in everyday situations like school, at work, and in relationships.
It is recommended to consult an expert in mental healthcare who has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The best way to find such a person is through the recommendation of an therapist, doctor or any other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to focus and retaining self-control. This can cause problems at work, school or in personal relationships. It is also difficult to manage daily frustrations. Untreated ADHD symptoms could lead to grave consequences, such as loss of employment, broken friendships, and other negative outcomes.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have symptoms that persist throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also interfere with their ability to function in everyday life, and they must have been present prior to age 12 years old.
Inattention and impulsivity are among the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty staying on task, missing important information, and having trouble remembering things. Some people may also have weak organization skills, or have difficulties following directions and keeping track of several tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This kind of ADHD can also cause someone to struggle with waiting for their turn or interrupting others.
These symptoms are often present in children when they first begin school. They may have difficulty in class because of academic demands and can get frustrated by their lack of focus or organization skills. They also may have difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, which can lead to difficulties at work as well as in romantic relationships as well as with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD may feel embarrassed or blame themselves, thinking they're not smart enough to be successful or that something is wrong with them. It's important to recognize that ADHD doesn't mean you aren't smarter or able.
Your primary care physician or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. are adhd assessments covered by insurance will also examine your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical examination or psychological tests in order to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling at school. It could be due to the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD, but don't know what it means. Is your child lazy, or does she have an issue that's easier to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is vital. You must determine whether your problems are the result of too much screen time, inadequate parenting, or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family physician can help you determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
Generally, an ADHD assessment includes an interview, a examination of symptoms, and the use of checklists and scales for rating. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, their development back to childhood academic and work experiences and driving history as well as marital and family relationships. The doctor will also test for other disorders such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential that the person being analyzed doesn't hide in shame or because of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to comprehend how ADHD affects daily life and recommend treatments.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, several symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and be "impairing" in at least two major situations, such as at home or school. The impairment goes beyond being unable to remember or struggling to complete assignments. It can also include getting fired from a work for tardiness or failing to complete a task on time, or causing tension and conflict in the relationship.
Many doctors will interview the patient along with a loved one (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may also ask for feedback from people who spend long periods of time with the patient- such as an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This type of personal insight can reveal information that cannot be obtained through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also perform physical examinations and lab tests like blood and urinary testing to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A health care provider may perform an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is an underlying cause, such as a mental condition or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person’s medical and mental histories, analyzing their past and current behavior, and their school performance. It also includes contact with family teachers, parents, and other caregivers in order to obtain an accurate picture of the person’s functioning in different settings.
Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to help improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs which take longer to work but can also improve attention abilities, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also a part of many treatment plans, especially for children. For instance, a therapy therapist could teach them methods of organization to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or use mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Family or marital counseling could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help them deal with their challenges at home and at work.
In addition, many people with ADHD can manage their symptoms by following a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as cutting down on alcohol and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek out support from friends and family, join a support group or participate in an ADHD coach training program which can provide them with tools and tips for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to understand how their treatment is working and to be aware of any possible adverse effects. GPs can also refer people with ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to further evaluate and diagnose.