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ADHD Assessments Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Instead, experts employ different tools to gather information and assess 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 form an integral part of the comprehensive assessment process used to assess, screen the severity of a condition, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Assessment Process The majority of ADHD tests involve a thorough interview between the assessor and the person who is being assessed. This is done by a specialist such as a doctor psychologist or clinical social worker. The clinician will ask the person about their history and current symptoms. Many evaluators utilize standardized behavior ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right but they do provide objective information to the evaluation. These include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Adults can be evaluated using the standard ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale. For both adults and children the doctor will also utilize a behavioral checklist. This is used to look for other conditions which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and apathy. The evaluator also will look into the person's history and current medications. In addition, the therapist will review medical records and gather background details about the person's family members and their environment. The evaluator might ask whether the person's parents, or any other relatives have ADHD and the symptoms they experienced. Psychometric and neuropsychological tests can provide important information to assist the evaluator in diagnosing ADHD, especially when there is some doubt about the diagnosis. However, these tests have limited effectiveness as the main method for making an ADHD diagnosis due to issues in their sensitivity and specificity. They also don't reflect the complexities of everyday situations that adults face. A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, provides useful information about how the brain functions during a brief period of time. However the results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. They don't accurately represent how the brain works in everyday situations like school, at work, and in relationships. To make a more precise diagnosis, it is best to consult a specialist in mental health who is experienced in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. The best way to find the right person is to get a referral from an therapist, doctor or other professional. Signs and symptoms People with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can lead to problems at school, at work or in relationships. It can also make it difficult to deal with daily stress in a healthy manner. If left untreated, ADHD symptoms may lead to serious consequences such as loss of employment, broken friendships and many other negative outcomes. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must be suffering from symptoms that persist throughout childhood and adolescence. These symptoms should also affect their ability to function in normal life, and be present prior to the age of 12 years old. Inattention and impulsivity are two of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having trouble remembering things. The person could also display poor organizational skills or have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of several 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 to have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting others. These symptoms are often present in children as they begin school. They may struggle in school due to the demands of academics and then become frustrated due to their inability to organize or focus. They may also have difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to their tendency to emotional outbursts. These symptoms can continue into adulthood, leading to difficulties at work, in romantic relationships, as well as with family members. Untreated ADHD can make people feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They may believe they're not competent enough to succeed or that there's something wrong with them. It is crucial to recognize that having ADHD does not mean you're less smart or skilled. Your primary care provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they affect your life. They will also interview your partner and other family members and your friends. They will use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also examine your medical history and educational background. They may also refer to you for a physical examination or psychological tests in order to rule out any other conditions. Diagnosis You or your child has been struggling at school. You may be worried about the fearful snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but don't really know what it means — is your kid just lazy or is she suffering from a problem that's easier to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to understand if the problems are the result of excessive screen time, poor parenting, or a medical condition. Fortunately, your family doctor can assist you in determining if an ADHD assessment is right for you. In general the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment involves an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of scales for rating or checklists. Doctors will ask questions regarding the patient's medical history, their development since childhood, their academic and professional experiences, driving records as well as their marital and family history. The examiner will check for any other conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders. The person who is being evaluated must be able to talk about the issues in a candid and honest manner. It is crucial that the person being evaluated is not hiding from embarrassment or out of fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to understand how the ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide solutions. For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, a number of symptoms must have been present prior to age of 12 and must have been “impairing” at least in two main situations like home or school. It's more than just being forgetful or having trouble keeping up with assignments and homework; it's being dismissed from a job because of tardiness, failing to complete an assignment on time, or causing tension and discord in a marriage. Many doctors will speak with the patient and a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patient — such as an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This type of personal insight often uncovers information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Psychiatrists also usually conduct a physical examination and run laboratory tests, such as urine and blood tests to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. Treatment A doctor can do an ADHD evaluation to determine if there's an underlying reason, such as a mood disorder or another physical illness that causes similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation involves examining the person's mental and medical history, evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance, and then contacting family members, teachers and other family members to get a more complete picture of how the person operates in various environments. how do i get my son assessed for adhd suffering from ADHD often benefit from a combination of treatments, says Dr. Frank. Some are prescribed medications to help improve concentration and focus and decrease impulsiveness, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, or non-stimulant medicines which take longer to work but can also enhance attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine. The majority of treatment plans include behavior therapy, particularly those for children. For instance, a counselor might help them learn methods of organization to make it easier for them to organize their things, or they might engage in mindfulness meditation to improve their impulse control and help them manage their time. Family or marriage counseling is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It helps them learn problem-solving and communication skills which will assist them in dealing with their difficulties at home and at work. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD can lessen their symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, and cutting down on alcohol and junk food. It may also be beneficial to seek help from friends and family or join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program that can provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People with ADHD should visit their GP for regular medication checkups to learn how their treatment is working and to be aware of any possible adverse side effects. The GP can refer patients suffering from ADHD for further evaluation or a diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.