ADHD Assessments
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Instead, specialists employ various instruments to collect information about and evaluate the signs of an individual.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an important element of the comprehensive assessment process that is necessary to screen, assess the condition, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments require a thorough interview between the assessor and the person who is being evaluated. The evaluation is performed by a professional such as a doctor psychologist, or clinical social worker. The doctor will inquire about the person's past and current symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based upon research comparing the behavior of people with ADHD and those who do not. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right but they do provide information that can be used to evaluate. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. The doctor will employ a behavioral check-list for both adults and children. This is to check for other conditions that can occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include conduct disorder, oppositional disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy.
The evaluator will also look at the person's current and past medication. The doctor will also look over medical records and gather background information on the person's environment and family. The evaluator might ask if the person's parents, or any other relatives are suffering from ADHD and what symptoms they had.
Neuropsychological and psychometric tests can provide crucial information to assist the evaluator to diagnose ADHD particularly when there is some doubt regarding the diagnosis. These tests aren't suitable as the primary tool to diagnose ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. In addition, they don't adequately reflect the variety of situations that adults face in daily life.
A more recent test known as SPECT brain scanning provides useful data on how the brain functions over just a few minutes. The results are only useful to diagnose certain kinds of brain injuries and diseases. They don't accurately represent how the brain works in everyday situations like working, school, and in relationships.
It is best to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the evaluation and management of ADHD. The best method to locate this type of person is via an appointment with a doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can lead to problems at work, school or in relationships. It also makes it difficult to manage daily stress in a healthy way. Untreated ADHD symptoms may lead to grave consequences, such as the loss of a job, friendships broken, and other negative outcomes.
To be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must have symptoms that persist throughout the adolescence and childhood. These symptoms must also hinder in their ability to function normally, and must be present prior to the age of 12.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying on task, missing important information, and having trouble remembering things. adhd assessment glasgow may also be lacking organizational skills, or experience difficulties staying on track and following directions. multiple tasks at once.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This type of ADHD can also cause a person have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting other people.
These signs are usually present in children as they start school. They may struggle 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 with interpersonal relationships because they are more likely to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, causing problems at work, with romantic partners, or even with family members. People who aren't treated for ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, believing they're not smart enough to succeed or that something is wrong with them. However, it is important to understand that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less capable or intelligent.
Your primary care physician or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview your spouse as well as other family members and your friends. 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 to physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out any other ailments.
Diagnosis
Your child or you have struggled in school. It could be due to the often-dreaded "snow day" or perhaps you're worried about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but you don't know what it means -- is your child simply lazy or does she have a problem that's easier to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine if the problems result from excessive screen time, bad parenting, or a medical condition. Your family doctor can assist you to determine whether an ADHD assessment is right for you.
In general the general case, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of the symptoms and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the patient's health history, their progress in the age of a child as well as their academic and professional experiences, driving records as well as their marital and family history. The doctor will also test for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able discuss the issues openly and honestly. It is essential that the person who is being evaluated is not hiding from embarrassment or because of fear of being judged. This will allow the examiner to understand how the ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday life and help to suggest treatment options.
To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD to be established the symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and must have been "impairing" at least in two major environments, such as school or at home. It's not just about being forgetful or struggling to keep up with assignments. It could also mean getting fired from a work for tardiness or inability to complete a task on time, or causing stress and conflict in a relationship.
Many doctors will speak with the patient and a loved one (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may also seek feedback from those who spend a lot of time with the patientlike a nanny, coach or religious leader. This kind of personal experience can reveal information that cannot be obtained through questionnaires. Psychiatrists will also typically perform physical examinations and tests in the laboratory, such as urine and blood tests, to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Treatment
A doctor may conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine whether there is an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical issue causing similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's medical and mental histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present and school performance. It also includes contacting family, teachers, and other caregivers to gather an accurate picture of the person's performance in different situations.
People suffering from ADHD often benefit from a variety of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some are prescribed medications to improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsiveness, such as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines which take longer to work but may also help improve attention skills, such as Intuniv or Clonidine.
The majority of treatment plans incorporate behavior therapy, particularly those for children. The therapist may teach them strategies for organizing to help them keep the track of their activities or practice mindfulness meditation to improve their control of their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD because it teaches them the skills of communication and problem-solving which can help them cope with their issues at the workplace and at home.
Many people with ADHD will also find that they can lessen their symptoms if they consume well balanced meals, have enough sleep and exercise, as well as cut down on junk food and alcohol. It may also be helpful to seek support from family and friends, join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that will provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to understand how their treatment works and to identify any potential adverse side effects. GPs can also refer people who suffer from ADHD to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists to further evaluate and diagnose.