ADHD Assessments
There is no one test to determine if a person has 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 a crucial part of the comprehensive assessment process that is required to screen, evaluate the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a detailed interview between the evaluator and the person being assessed. A clinician such as a psychologist doctor or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The clinician will ask the patient about their past and current symptoms. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they add important objective information to the evaluation. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The clinician will use a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This will check for other disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also looks at the person's previous and current medication. In addition, the clinician will look over medical records and gather information regarding the person's family and environment. For instance the evaluator would inquire about whether the person's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what their symptoms were like.
These tests can be extremely beneficial to the examiner particularly when the diagnosis is not clear. These tests are not useful as the primary method to diagnose ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. Additionally, they don't adequately reflect the complexity of the situations that adults encounter every day.
A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, gives valuable information about how the brain functions over a the short time. However, the results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of injuries and illnesses that affect the brain. They do not accurately reflect how the brain works during everyday situations such as school, at work and in relationships.
For a more accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to have an expert in mental health who has experience in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. The best way to locate the right person is to get a referral from the doctor, therapist or other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at work, school or in relationships with friends. It also makes it difficult to deal with daily frustrations in a healthy way. In the end, untreated ADHD symptoms can result in the loss of a job, broken friendships, and other serious consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must exhibit symptoms that last throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally and must have been present prior to the age of 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying on task, missing important information, and having difficulty remembering things. A person may also show inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulties following directions and keeping track of many tasks at a time.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. The person who suffers from this kind of ADHD may also have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are typically seen in children when they first start school. They may struggle in school because of the academic demands and can get frustrated with their lack of concentration or organizational abilities. They also may have difficulty with interpersonal relationships because they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can continue into adulthood, leading to problems at work as well as in romantic relationships as well as with family members. Individuals with untreated ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to succeed or that something is wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that ADHD does not mean that you aren't smarter or capable.
To diagnose adhd diagnostic assessment london or mental health professional will perform a thorough assessment. They will ask about your symptoms and the effects they affect your life. They will also interview your spouse, other family members, and friends. They will use scales for assessing behavior and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also review your medical history as well as your education. They may also refer to you for a physical exam or psychological tests to eliminate any other health issues.
Diagnosis
Your child or you are struggling in school. It could be because of the dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're anxious about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but don't really know what it means -- is your kid just lazy or is there a problem that's easier to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is crucial. You must determine if the problem is due to excessive screen time, bad parenting, or a medical condition. Your family physician can help determine if an ADHD assessment is right for you.
Typically, an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and use of checklists and rating scales. Doctors will inquire about the person's past health, development going back to childhood academic and work experiences as well as driving history, marital and family relationships. The examiner will look for other issues, such as learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders.
The person being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues honestly and openly. It is crucial to not repress the issue due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to comprehend how ADHD affects daily life and offer treatments.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed the symptoms must have manifested before age 12 and must have been "impairing" at least in two important settings like school or home. Impairment is more than being a bit forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments and homework; it's being dismissed from a job for tardiness, failing to complete an assignment on time, or causing conflict and stress in a relationship.
Many doctors interview both the patient and the loved ones such as spouse, sibling, or parent. They may also ask for feedback from those who spend a great deal of time with patients such as a coach or nanny. This kind of personal insight can provide information that cannot be obtained through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also conduct physical examinations and lab tests such as urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine if there is an underlying cause such as a mood condition or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental history, evaluating their past and present behavior, as well as school performance, and then contacting teachers, family members, and other family members to get an overall picture of how the individual performs in various settings.
People with ADHD often benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some people are prescribed medication to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer time to take effect, but may help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is a part of many treatment plans, especially for children. The therapist might teach them strategies for organizing to aid them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to improve their control of their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling can also be helpful for people suffering from ADHD, as it teaches them how to communicate and problem-solve that can help them deal with their challenges at the workplace and at home.
In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD can lessen their symptoms by following a balanced diet, sleeping enough and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol consumption and junk food. It is also beneficial to seek support from family and friends, enroll in an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training program which can teach them techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. Individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD should see their GP regularly for medication checkups to help them to understand how their treatment is working and to address any side effects. Doctors can also refer patients with ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.