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ADHD Assessments There is no one test that can determine if a person has ADHD. Instead, specialists use a variety of tools to gather 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 component of the overall assessment process that is necessary to evaluate, screen, diagnose and monitor treatment. Assessment Process The majority of ADHD assessments involve a thorough interview with the person who is being evaluated. A clinician like a psychologist, doctor, or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The clinician will inquire about the person's history and present symptoms. A lot of evaluators utilize standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who don't. They are not diagnostic in themselves but they do add important, objective information to the evaluation. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent report form of Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale like the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be employed. For both children and adults, the clinician will also employ a checklist for behavioral issues. It will look for other conditions that often co-occur with ADHD, such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and depression or anxiety. The evaluator will also look at the person's past and current medications. The clinician will also review medical records and gather information about the person's surroundings and family. The evaluator may ask if the person's parents, or other relatives, have ADHD and what signs they experienced. These tests can be very helpful to the evaluator particularly when the diagnosis is not clear. These tests are not useful as the primary tool to diagnose ADHD because of their insensitivity and specificity. They don't take into account the complexities of everyday situations that adults face. A more recent test known as SPECT brain scanning can provide valuable information on how the brain functions over only a brief period of time. However the results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. They do not accurately reflect how the brain works during everyday situations such as school, at work, and in relationships. For a more accurate diagnosis, it is best to have an expert in mental health who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a therapist or doctor is the best method to locate the right person. Symptoms People with ADHD often have trouble staying focused and managing their emotions. This can cause issues at school, work or in relationships with friends. It is also difficult to deal with daily frustrations. In the end, untreated ADHD symptoms can result in break-ups, loss of jobs, and other serious consequences. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have symptoms that persist throughout their childhood and adolescence. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in daily life, and must be present prior to the age of 12 years old. The most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsivity. Inattentive symptoms can include difficulty staying focused, forgetting important information, or having difficulty remembering. The person could also display inadequate organizational skills or experience difficulties following directions and focusing on multiple tasks at once. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. People with this type of ADHD might also have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupting others. These signs are usually present in children as they start school. They may have difficulty in school due to the demands of academics and become frustrated by their inability to organize or focus. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to have emotional outbursts. These symptoms can last into adulthood and cause issues at work, with romantic partners, or even with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel ashamed or blame themselves. They may believe they're not smart enough to be successful or that there's something wrong with them. It's important to recognize that ADHD does not mean that you aren't smarter or able. Your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also interview you as well as your partner and other family members and friends. To assess your symptoms, they will use behavior ratings scales and symptom lists. They will also examine your medical history and educational background. They may also refer to you for a physical examination or psychological tests to eliminate any other health issues. Diagnosis You or your child has struggled in school. It could be the dreaded “snow day” or perhaps you're worried about the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD but you aren't sure what it means — is your child just lazy or does she have an issue that is easier to treat than to solve? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to understand if the problems are caused by excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical condition. Your family doctor can help determine if an ADHD assessment is appropriate for you. Generally, an ADHD evaluation includes an interview, a review of symptoms and the use of rating scales and checklists. Doctors will inquire about the person's past health, their development back to childhood as well as work and academic experience and driving history as well as family and marital relationships. The examiner will look for other issues, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders. The person being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues in a candid and honest manner. It is crucial to not repress the issue due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will allow the examiner to recognize how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide solutions. For a diagnosis of ADHD to be established the symptoms must have been present prior to age of 12 and must be “impairing” at least in two important situations like home or school. Impairment goes beyond being forgetful or having difficulty keeping up with assignments. It could also be a result of being dismissed from a job for tardiness or inability to complete a task in time, or causing tension and conflict in the relationship. Many doctors will interview the patient and the loved ones (spouse, sibling or parent for children) and may solicit feedback from those who spend a lot of time with the patient- such as a coach, nanny or religious leader. This kind of personal insight can reveal information that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. book adhd assessment uk perform a physical exam and laboratory tests like urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Treatment A health care provider may conduct an ADHD evaluation to determine whether there is a root cause such as a mood disorder or another physical issue that is causing similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person’s medical and mental history, as well as evaluating their past and current behavior and school performance. It also includes contact with family as well as teachers and other caregivers in order to get a complete picture of the person's performance in different environments. Dr. Frank says that people who suffer from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some are prescribed medications to improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsiveness. These include as stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant drugs that take longer to effect but also help enhance attention skills like Intuniv or Clonidine. The majority of treatment plans incorporate behavior therapy, particularly those for children. For instance, a therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to make it easier for them to organize their possessions or even use mindfulness meditation to increase their impulse control and help them better manage their time. Counseling for families or marriage is an excellent option for adults with ADHD. It teaches them the skills of problem-solving and communication which will assist them in dealing with their issues at home and at work. Many people who suffer from ADHD will also find they can lessen their symptoms by eating well balanced meals, get enough rest, exercise and cut down on the consumption of alcohol and junk food. It may also be helpful to seek out support from your family and friends, join an organization for support or 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 medication checkups to help them to understand the effectiveness of their treatment and to address any side consequences. GPs may refer people with ADHD for further evaluation or diagnosis to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.