ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview of the person being assessed, and one or more questionnaires designed to rate the symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically also interviewed.
Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two settings and the symptoms can't be caused by any other medical conditions such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
History
The first step in getting an diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care doctor. You may be referred an expert in mental health who will conduct an evaluation that includes a full history and physical examination. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are often included in this evaluation.
Generally speaking, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than adults. However it can affect anyone of any age. Adults with ADHD who are not treated may face problems at work, in relationships, and could be more prone to substance abuse and depression. It is important to get the correct diagnosis, to ensure that treatment can begin.
There are references to children with behavior issues that are similar to ADHD that date back as early as the 18th century, the modern history of ADHD begins with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who noticed that many of his children were easily distracted and couldn't stay focused on their work. He believed these symptoms were related to the way their brains functioned and not the result of bad parenting or lazy attitudes.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, it was known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA didn't consider hyperactivity to be a symptom vital until the year 1980, when DSM-III was published. The ADD subtype was dropped and the resultant designation was ADHD.
KMN Psych’s ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning to determine if there is the ADHD diagnosis. This information aids in the creation of specific interventions, educational accommodations and treatment strategies that improve daily functioning, productivity and long-term performance.
During an initial visit, the clinician will take an in-depth look at the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on life at home and school performance as well as their career. The clinician will also gather information about the family history of the person and will conduct a family interview. They will employ standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD and symptoms of ADD/HD, as well as psychological tests that assess executive function, working memory, skills (abilities such as planning and making decisions) spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning (thinking).
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically includes physical examination that measures height, weight, and pulse. A medical history is also taken which includes prescription, over-the-counter or illicit medications taken regularly. The examiner will also assess hearing and vision. online testing for adhd will also check for any other health or behavioral conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to screen for co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, depression or learning disabilities. When you are focusing on ADHD symptoms alone they can be missed.
The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the evaluation will talk to the person who is being evaluated. They will ask about the person's behavior in school in their home, at work and at work. If they are appropriate, they'll also discuss family and social histories. The psychologist might request the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that utilize research to compare behaviors of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being tested should respond in a clear and honest manner. They should not repress any information for fear of embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will go through any notes or records from previous assessments. They will look for a pattern of symptoms which are consistent and don't change over time. They will consider the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's life.
In certain instances, the examiner will suggest a medical exam or lab tests to rule out underlying physical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures and thyroid issues. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, however they could be vital in identifying other health issues that could be causing or mimicking the symptoms of ADHD.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure that someone receives the assistance they need in school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can open up an array of treatment options and accommodations that can improve efficiency and daily functioning. In addition, a proper diagnosis can help people understand their individual challenges and pinpoint the strategies and coping strategies that are most effective for them.
Psychological Tests
If you're concerned that your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to consult an experienced health professional who is specialized in diagnosing and treating this disorder. The person you meet will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also perform an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive assessments and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is crucial because it helps differentiate ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview the health professional will ask you a series of standard questions regarding your behavior and how it affects your daily life. The doctor will likely interview your teachers and parents to gain a full picture of the issues you are experiencing. This can help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other factors such as stress or medical issues may be the cause.
Your evaluator will also want to be aware of your family history and any other mental health issues that you have had to deal with. Write down your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't miss anything. You might be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your mood and functioning. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS).
A major component of the clinical assessment for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different environments, including at your home, school or work, as well as play. During these observation, your evaluator will note the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as their impact on your daily life. The evaluator may also use a standard form of observation to record results.
Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator could recommend are a structured behavior plan as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and training for parents. These strategies can assist you or your child deal with the symptoms that are associated with ADHD. They can also assist you to establish structure and regularity in your home at school, at home, and at work to lessen the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Counseling
The correct diagnosis is crucial for a successful treatment. This process is highly individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing information taken from a variety of sources. This involves analyzing ratings of educational and behavior scales completed by teachers, parents and children, observing the individual, and then observing them in various environments (e.g. home, school, and work). The doctor will also determine how symptoms impact their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other potential reasons for the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities.
A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics will ask parents and teachers fill out online questionnaires, and then forward them directly to the clinic. Other clinicians will conduct a parent-teacher examination during the first appointment. In addition an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records is usually included in the evaluation.
In some instances, the clinician may ask for information from people who are familiar with the symptoms of an individual such as family members friends, religious leaders, family members Scouts, coaches, and teachers. The physician will also be looking to determine if the symptoms have existed over time and the severity of them. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health issues that could be contributing their ADHD symptoms.
Once the results are in, the clinician will discuss them with the patient. They will also discuss what they can do to alleviate the symptoms. The clinician will often recommend specialized counseling such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specialized treatments are designed to address the numerous problems that people with ADHD confront. This includes impulsivity, planning, follow-through and organization. They can also help teach skills such as emotional regulation and self care and practical strategies to manage everyday responsibilities and relationships. In certain instances it is possible to prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.