ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. Instead, specialists employ different tools to solicit information about and evaluate a person's symptoms.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an integral element of the comprehensive assessment process used to screen, assess the severity of a condition, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being evaluated. A clinical professional, such as a psychologist, doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the test. The doctor will inquire about the patient's history and present symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based upon research comparing the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who don't. They are not considered diagnostic by themselves however they provide important information that can be used to evaluate. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. Adults can be evaluated using the standard ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale. The clinician will use a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This is to check for other conditions which often co-occur along with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator will also look at the person's medical history and current medications. Additionally, the doctor will look over medical records and gather background information regarding the person's family and surroundings. For instance the evaluator would inquire whether the person's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what their symptoms were.
These tests can be extremely beneficial to the examiner, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain. These tests are not useful as the primary method to determine ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They also don't reflect the complexities of everyday situations that adults face.
A more recent test known as SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable data on how the brain functions over a short period of time. The results are useful only for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries and diseases. They do not accurately represent how the brain operates in everyday life, such as school, work and relationships.
To make a more precise diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The best way to find this type of person is via a referral from the doctor, therapist or other professional.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and maintaining self-control. This can lead to problems at work, school, or in relationships. It also makes it difficult to deal with daily frustrations in a healthy way. Because of this, untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to break-ups, loss of jobs and other serious repercussions.
To be diagnosed with ADHD a person's symptoms must persist through childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also be a hindrance in their ability to function normally and have been present prior to age 12.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying on task, forgetting important information, or having trouble remembering. One may also exhibit poor organization skills or have trouble following instructions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. A person with this kind of ADHD may also have trouble getting their turn and interrupting others.
These signs are usually present in children when they first start school. They may have difficulty in school due to the demands of academics and then become frustrated due to their lack of organization or concentration. They may also have issues in interpersonal relationships due to the fact that they are more susceptible to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood and cause problems at work or with romantic partners or even with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel ashamed or blame themselves. They may think they're not competent enough to succeed or that there's something wrong with them. It's important to recognize that ADHD does not mean that you are less intelligent or able.
To diagnose ADHD, your primary care provider or mental health professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also interview your partner and other family members and even your family members. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists in order to determine your symptoms. They will also review your medical history and education. They might also refer you for a physical exam or psychological tests in order to determine if you have any other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
You or your child has been struggling in school. You may be worried about the ever-present snow day or the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but aren't sure what it is. Are your children lazy, or does she have a problem that is easier to be to treat than fix? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine if the problem is caused by excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you determine whether an ADHD evaluation is right for you.
Generally the process of an ADHD assessment involves an interview, review of symptoms and the use of checklists and scales for rating. Doctors will inquire about the patient's health history, their progress from childhood and their professional and academic experiences, driving records, as well as their marital and family history. The examiner will look for other issues like learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is important that the person who is being evaluated does not hide in shame or fearful of criticism. gp adhd assessment will help the examiner understand how the ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and to recommend treatments.
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, a number of symptoms must have been present prior to age of 12 and have been "impairing" at least in two major situations like home or school. Impairment is more than being forgetful or having trouble staying on task; it's getting fired from a job for tardiness, failing to complete an assignment on time, or causing conflict and stress in a relationship.
A lot of doctors will talk to the patient as well as a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may seek feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patientfor example, an nanny, coach, or religious leader. This type of personal insight often provides information that cannot be obtained from questionnaires. Psychologists also conduct a physical exam and laboratory tests like blood and urinary testing to rule out any other possible causes.
Treatment
A doctor can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or a physical condition that triggers similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation entails examining the person's medical and mental history, as well as evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance. It also includes calling family members teachers, parents, and other family members to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior in various environments.
People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from a variety of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some are prescribed medications to help improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines that take longer to effect but may also help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include behavior therapy, particularly those for children. For example, the therapy therapist could teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to keep track of their things or practice mindfulness meditation to improve impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marital counseling can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them the skills of communication and problem-solving that will help them deal with their issues at home and at work.
Many people with ADHD will also find that they can reduce their symptoms if they eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep and exercise. They should also reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It is also beneficial to seek out assistance from family and friends, enroll in an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training program that can provide them with strategies and tools to manage their symptoms. People who are diagnosed with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for regular medication checkups, to help them to understand the effectiveness of their treatment and to address any side negative effects. The GP can also refer patients with ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.