10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Will Help You With Assessments For ADHD
ADHD Assessments
Currently there is no single test that can be used to determine whether one has ADHD. Instead, specialists use different tools to gather information about and evaluate a person's symptoms.
These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are an essential element of the comprehensive assessment process, which is needed to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatment.
Assessment Process
Most ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person being assessed. 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. Many evaluators use standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD. They are not diagnostic in their own right however they provide important, objective information to the evaluation. They include the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale and the Teacher-Parent Report Form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). For adults, a standardized ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both children and adults the clinician may also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. This will help to identify other conditions that may occur in conjunction with ADHD. These include oppositional disorder, conduct disorder anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder.
The evaluator will also examine the person's medical history and current medications. The clinician will also go through medical records, and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. getting assessed for adhd might ask if the person's parents, or any other relatives have ADHD and what signs they experienced.
These tests can be extremely helpful to the evaluator, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain. However, these tests have limited utility as the primary tool for making an ADHD diagnosis due to problems in their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, they aren't able to accurately reflect the variety of situations that an adult faces in everyday life.
A more recent test SPECT brain imaging provides useful information about how the brain functions over a the short time. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain types of brain injuries and illnesses. They don't accurately reflect how the brain operates in everyday life, such as school, work and relationships.
It is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in the assessment and management of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best method to locate such an individual.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused and controlling their emotions. This can cause problems at school, at work or in relationships. It can also make it difficult to handle daily stress in a healthy way. Because of this that untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to job loss, broken friendships and other severe consequences.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of a person must last throughout the adolescent years and into childhood. These symptoms should also be a hindrance in their ability to function normally and be present prior to the age of 12.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattentive symptoms include trouble staying focused, ignoring important information, and having trouble remembering things. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have difficulties following directions and keeping track of 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 to have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting other people.
Children are often afflicted with these types of ADHD symptoms when they begin school. They can struggle in class because of academic demands, and they can become frustrated with their lack of focus or organization skills. They may also struggle with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can last throughout adulthood, causing problems at work or with romantic partners or even with family members. People with untreated ADHD might feel ashamed or blame themselves, assuming they're not smart enough to succeed or they believe something is wrong with them. But it's important to recognize that having ADHD doesn't mean you're less smart or skilled.
Your primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health will conduct a thorough examination to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms and the impact they affect your life. They will also interview your spouse as well as other family members and friends. They will utilize behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also review the medical history and your education. They may also recommend you undergo physical examinations or psychological tests to rule out any other ailments.
Diagnosis
You or your child is struggling in school. It could be because of the often-dreaded "snow day" or maybe you're concerned about the latest teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but don't know what it means. Are your children lazy, or does she have a problem that is easier to be to treat than solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You must determine whether your problems are the result of excessive screen time, bad parenting or a medical issue. Your family doctor can assist you to determine if an ADHD assessment is the right one for you.
Generally the process of an ADHD assessment involves an interview, examination of symptoms, and the use of checklists and rating scales. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's medical history, their progress in childhood and their professional and academic experiences, driving records, and their family and marital history. The doctor will also look for other issues like anxiety and mood disorders.
The person who is being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues in a candid and honest manner. It is essential that the person being evaluated does not hide in shame or because of fear of being judged. This will help the examiner to comprehend how ADHD affects daily life and offer treatment options.
To be able to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must have been present before age 12 and must be "impairing" in at least two of the major settings such as school or at home. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It can also include getting fired from a work for tardiness or failing to complete a task on time, or creating stress and conflict in the relationship.
A lot of doctors will talk to the patient and a loved one (spouse sibling, parent or spouse for children) and may also solicit feedback from those who spend long periods of time with the patient- such as a nanny, coach or religious leader. This kind of personal information often uncovers information that can't be obtained from 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 of the symptoms.
Treatment
A health professional can conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if there's an underlying cause, such as an anxiety disorder or another physical illness that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person’s medical and mental histories, evaluating their behavior in the past and present and school performance. It also includes contacting family teachers, parents, and other caregivers in order to gather an accurate picture of the person’s functioning in different environments.
Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some people are prescribed medication to help improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsiveness. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medicines that take longer to effect results, but they can help improve attention skills like Intuniv and Clonidine.
Behavioral therapy is also part of many treatment plans, particularly for children. The therapist may teach them strategies for organizing to assist 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 marriage counseling is also beneficial for adults with ADHD. It helps them develop problem-solving and communication skills that will help them cope with their challenges both at home and work.
Many people suffering from ADHD will also discover that they can lessen their symptoms if they eat a balanced diet and have enough sleep and exercise. They should also cut down on junk food and alcohol. They may also find it helpful to seek support from family and friends or join a support group or take part in an ADHD coach training program which can provide them with tips and tools for managing their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should see their GP for regular medication checkups to learn the way their treatment works and to be aware of any possible side effects. GPs can also refer people with ADHD to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.