ADHD Testing - The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD
A thorough ADHD evaluation includes a thorough interview with the person being assessed and one or more questionnaires designed to assess symptoms. Teachers and parents are often interviewed, too.
Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at least two settings, and the symptoms cannot be caused by other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
History
The first step of getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care doctor. You could be referred to an expert in mental health who will conduct an assessment that includes a full history and physical examination. The assessment includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptom lists, as well as psychological tests.
Generally, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than adults. However it can affect anyone at any age. Adults with ADHD who are not treated may experience difficulties at work, in relationships, and could be more susceptible to addiction and depression. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated.
While there have been mentions of children suffering from behavioral problems resembling those of ADHD from the 18th century, modern ADHD history begins with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Still was a renowned pediatrician who noticed that a lot of his patients were easily distracted and had trouble staying focused on their work. He believed that these symptoms were caused by the way their brains functioned and not because of lazy parenting or poor parenting.
In 1952 in 1952, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the first edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. At the time, the disorder was classified as an attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as an essential symptom until 1980, when it published DSM-III. The ADD subtype changed to ADHD at that time.
The KMN Psych ADHD testing process thoroughly assesses cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out the ADHD diagnosis. This information is utilized to develop individualized interventions and educational accommodations, as also treatment plans that enhance efficiency, daily functioning and long-term success.
During the initial visit the doctor will provide a thorough history of the person’s problem behavior, as well as their impact on their personal life, school performance and work. The doctor will also collect information about the person's family background and will also interview family members. They will use standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD and the ADD/HD symptoms lists, as well as psychological tests that assess executive function, working memory, abilities (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 the height, weight and pulse. The medical history is taken which includes prescription, over the drug and illicit medicines. The examiner will evaluate hearing and vision. The examiner can also check to determine if any other health or behavioral disorders are present that mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for any other medical conditions since many people with ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms by themselves, these conditions can be missed.
The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse person who conducts the assessment. They will inquire about the person's behavior in school in their home, at work and at work. They will also discuss the family and social background, when appropriate. The psychologist might ask the person to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that use research to measure the behavior of people who have and those without ADHD. The person being evaluated should answer the questions honestly and openly. They should not conceal any information due to shame or embarrassment.
During the interview, the clinician will go through all notes or records of previous assessments. adhd testing online will look for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that is consistent over time and that do not get better or worse. They will consider the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily routine.
In some cases, an examiner may suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests in order to determine the physical cause for the symptoms. These could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, but they can be crucial in identifying other health issues that may be contributing to or similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure a person gets the assistance they need in school, work and their community. A valid ADHD diagnosis can provide an array of treatments and accommodations that improve daily functioning, productivity and long-term success. Furthermore, a valid diagnosis can help individuals understand their individual challenges and pinpoint the strategies and coping strategies that work best for them.
Psychological tests
If you think you or your children might be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, you should speak with a medical professional who is trained to recognize and treat this disorder. The person you see will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also carry out a psychological evaluation that may include cognitive assessments and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important as it helps distinguish ADHD from other conditions with similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the diagnostic interview, your healthcare provider will ask you a set of standard questions about your behavior and the impact it has on your life. The doctor will likely speak with your teachers and parents to gain a full picture of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related ADHD or if other causes such as stress or medical conditions could be at fault.
Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history and any other mental health issues that you have experienced. It can be helpful to write down your concerns and the specific behaviors that concern you, so you will not forget anything. Your evaluator could also ask you fill out questionnaires on your mood and functioning like the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS).
The main component of the clinical assessment for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different environments, including at school, home, work, and play. During these observations your evaluation specialist will note the frequency and intensity as well as impact of the symptoms on your life. He or she may use a standard observation form to record results.
Your evaluator might suggest an organized behavioral plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or training for parents as behavioral interventions. These methods can help your child or yourself how to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They can help you establish the right structure and consistency at home, in school and help reduce the disturbances that hyperactivity and impulsivity cause.
Counseling
Getting the right diagnosis is crucial for getting effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. It typically involves analyzing data from a variety of sources. This involves analyzing the scales of behavior and education completed by teachers, parents, and children, as well as interviewing the person, and watching them in different settings (e.g. home or at school, as well as at work). The doctor will also evaluate the symptoms and how they affect the ability to manage everyday tasks, relationships and other aspects of daily life.
A thorough evaluation usually takes between one and two hours. Some clinics require parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires which are then sent directly to the clinic; others will provide an evaluation of the teacher and parent in person during the initial appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of previous evaluations and treatment records.
In some instances the physician may ask for information from people familiar with the symptoms of a person, such as family friends, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The doctor will also be looking to determine whether the symptoms have been present over time and the severity of them. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health issues that may be causing the ADHD symptoms.
The clinician will then discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss what they can do to help manage the symptoms. The clinician will often suggest specialized counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These special therapies are designed to address the numerous issues that people suffering from ADHD face. This includes impulsivity, planning, organization and following through. They can also teach skills such as emotional regulation and self care, as well as practical strategies for managing the demands of daily life and relationships. In certain instances medications may be suggested to treat the symptoms.
