5 Laws Anyone Working In Assessments For ADHD Should Be Aware Of
ADHD Assessments
There is no one test that can determine if a person has ADHD. Instead, specialists use various tools to gather information about and evaluate the symptoms of a person.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They form an integral part of the comprehensive evaluation process that is required to screen, assess, diagnose and monitor treatments.
Assessment Process
The majority of ADHD assessments require a thorough interview with the evaluator and the person being evaluated. A clinical professional, like a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The clinician will inquire about the person's history and current symptoms. A lot of evaluators employ standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research studies that compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They aren't diagnostic by themselves but they do provide objective data to the evaluation. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. For both children and adults the doctor will also use a behavioral checklist. This will check for other disorders that may co-occur with ADHD for example, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also will look into the person's medical history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather background information on the person's surroundings and family. For instance the evaluator would inquire about whether the patient's parents or other relatives have ADHD and what their symptoms were.
These tests can be very helpful to the evaluator particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain. These tests aren't suitable as the main tool to diagnose ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They don't accurately reflect the complexity of daily situations that adults face.
A more recent test called SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable information on how the brain functions over only a brief period of time. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of brain injuries or illnesses. They don't accurately represent the way the brain functions during everyday situations such as school, at work and in relationships.
It is best to consult an expert in mental health who has experience in the evaluation and management of ADHD. The best way to find the right person is to get a referral from the doctor, therapist or any other professional.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause issues at work, school, or in personal relationships. It also makes it difficult to manage daily stress in a healthy way. In the end that untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to job loss, broken friendships and other severe consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD a person's symptoms must 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 common symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having difficulty remembering things. The person could also display inadequate organizational skills or experience trouble following directions and focusing on 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 type of ADHD may also have difficulty being patient or interrupting others.
Children often display these types of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They can struggle in class because of the academic demands, and they can become frustrated by their inability to focus or organization abilities. They may also struggle with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can persist into adulthood and cause issues at work as well as with romantic partners or even with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They might believe that they're not capable of achieving success or that there is something wrong with them. It's important to recognize that ADHD is not a sign that you are less intelligent or capable.
To diagnose ADHD, your primary care physician or mental health professional will conduct an exhaustive examination. They will inquire 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 go over your medical history and education. They might also refer you to an examination of your body or take psychological tests to rule out other health issues.
Diagnosis
You or your child has been struggling at school. You may be worried about the ever-present snow day or even the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard of ADHD but you don't really know what it means -- is your child just lazy or is she suffering from an issue that is easier to treat than solve? getting assessed for adhd is crucial. It is important to determine whether the issues are caused by excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical issue. Fortunately, your family doctor can help you decide whether an ADHD evaluation is right for you.
In general the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment consists of an interview and a review of symptoms, and the use of rating scales or checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, development going back to childhood, academic and work experience, driving history and marriage and family relations. The examiner will look for any other conditions like anxiety and mood disorders.
The person being evaluated should be able to talk about the issues openly and honestly. It is important that the person being analyzed is not hiding behind embarrassment, or out of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to understand how ADHD affects daily life and suggest treatments.
To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, several symptoms must be present prior to age 12, and must be "impairing" in at least two of the major situations, such as at school or at home. It's more than just being a bit forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments and homework; it's being dismissed from a job for inattention, not completing an assignment on time, or causing conflict and distress in a marriage.
Many doctors will speak with the patient as well as the loved ones (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may also ask for feedback from people who spend long periods of time with the patientlike a nanny, coach or a religious leader. This kind of personal insight often provides information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychologists will often conduct an examination of the body and conduct laboratory tests, such as urine and blood tests, to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health care provider 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 assessment involves looking over the person's medical and mental background, analyzing past and present behavior, as well as school performance, and contacting family members, teachers and other caregivers to obtain a more complete picture of how the person performs in various settings.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Certain medications are prescribed to improve concentration and focus, and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to work but can also improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Most treatment plans include behavioral therapy, especially those for children. The therapist might teach them organization strategies to aid them in keeping on top of things or to practice mindfulness meditation to help improve their control of their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling can also be helpful for adults with ADHD, as it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills that can help them deal with their challenges at the workplace and at home.
Many people who suffer from ADHD will also find they can lessen their symptoms if they eat well balanced meals, have enough sleep and exercise, as well as reduce their intake of the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It can also be beneficial to seek assistance from family and friends, sign up to a support program or attend an ADHD Coach training program which can provide them with techniques and strategies for managing their symptoms. Individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD should visit their GP regularly for checkups on their medication to help them know how their treatment is working and to address any side negative effects. The GP can also refer patients who suffer from ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.