ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A complete ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person who is being assessed and one or more questionnaires designed to evaluate symptoms. Parents and teachers are often interviewed as well.
To be diagnosed with ADHD children or adults must have symptomatic behavior in more than one setting and the symptoms don't stem from another medical issue, such as seizure or thyroid disorders.
History
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care physician. They might refer you to a mental health professional, who will do an evaluation that includes a complete examination and history. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are typically included in this assessment.
Generally, ADHD is more often recognized in children than adults. However it can affect a person at any age. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD can struggle at work or in relationships and are more at likelihood of committing suicide or depression, and may even engage in criminal activity. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis so that treatment can begin.
There have been reports of children with behavioral problems similar to those associated with ADHD as early as the 18th century, modern ADHD history begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who observed that his children were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their work. He believed that these symptoms were caused by the way their brains functioned and not due to bad parenting or lazyness.
The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At that time, the disorder was referred to as an attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity, or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a primary sign until the year 1980, when it published DSM-III. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at that time.
The KMN Psych ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the behavioral and cognitive patterns to confirm or rule out the ADHD diagnosis. This information can be used to design specific interventions as well as educational accommodations and treatment strategies that improve efficiency, daily functioning and long-term success.
In the initial visit, the clinician will take a detailed description of the individual's problematic behaviors and the impact they have on their home life, school performance, and work. The doctor will also talk to relatives and gather information about a person's past. They will employ the standardized behavior rating scales used for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning skills (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities.
Physical Exam
The ADHD screening process typically involves physical tests that measure the height, weight and pulse. The medical history is taken and includes prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will assess hearing and vision. The examiner may also check to determine if any other disorders of the brain or body are present that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other disorders since many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing disorders like depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms alone, these conditions can be missed.
The person being evaluated will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment. They will ask questions about the person's behavior at school, home, and at work. They will also discuss family and social history of the person, when appropriate. The psychologist may ask the person to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that make use of research to measure the behavior of people with and people who do not have ADHD. The person being tested must answer the questionnaires completely and honestly. They should not repress any information for fear of embarrassment or shame.
During the interview, the clinician will go through the notes and records from previous examinations. They will look for patterns of symptoms that are consistent and do not change over time. They will consider the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's daily routine.
In some instances an examiner might suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests in order to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. These include thyroid problems and seizure disorder. These tests aren't part of a diagnosis however, they can be crucial in identifying other health issues which could be causing or mimicking ADHD symptoms.
An accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to ensure that a person receives the support they need in school or at work, as well as in their community. A ADHD diagnosis can open an array of accommodations and treatment options that improve daily functioning productivity and long-term success. A correct diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific issues, and pinpoint the strategies and methods that are most effective for them.
Psychological Tests
If you're worried that your child or you might be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to consult an experienced health professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating this condition. The person you meet with will ask you several questions to determine if the signs you or your child are experiencing match the requirements for ADHD. The doctor will also carry out an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive and behavioral assessments. This is vital because it helps differentiate ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview, your health care practitioner will conduct a series of routine questions about your behavior and how it impacts your life. They may also speak with your parents and/or teachers to get a better understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will aid in determining whether they are a result of ADHD or if other causes such as stress or medical conditions might be the cause.
Your evaluator will also want to know about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you have had to deal with. It is useful to write down your concerns and the specific behaviors that are troubling you, to ensure that you do not forget anything. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your mood and functioning. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS).
Monitoring your behavior in different environments, like at school, at home or at work, as well as when you play is a crucial component of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observation, your evaluator will note the frequency and severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your life. He or she may also use a standard form of observation to record the results.
Your evaluator could suggest a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral treatment, or parent training as behavioral strategies. These techniques can teach you or your child how to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can assist you in creating the right structure and consistency at home, in school and at work to minimize the chaos that impulsivity and hyperactivity cause.
Counseling
The correct diagnosis is crucial to ensure the most effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. Typically, it involves analyzing data from several sources. This includes evaluating the behavior of the child and academic rating scales used by parents, teachers and children; interviewing the person; and watching them in different environments (e.g., school, home, or at work). The doctor will also evaluate the symptoms and how they affect the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships, and other aspects of daily life.
A thorough evaluation typically lasts between one and two hours. Some clinicians will request parents and teachers to complete online questionnaires and then send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher evaluation at the time of the initial appointment. Additionally, a review of previous evaluations and treatment records are usually included in the assessment.
In certain instances the doctor may ask for information from people familiar with the symptoms of an individual like family members friends, religious leaders, family members Scouts, coaches, and teachers. The clinician will also want to know if the symptoms have existed for a while and how severe they are. They will also determine if the patient has any other mental health issues that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
After the results have been reported the doctor will discuss them with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to help manage the symptoms. The clinician may recommend specific counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies are specifically designed to address many of the issues that people with ADHD face, including the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning and executing. They can also help teach techniques such as emotional regulation and self care and provide practical strategies to manage the demands of daily life and relationships. In adhd assessment test for adults , medication may be prescribed to help treat symptoms.