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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview of the person being assessed, as well as one or more standardized questionnaires designed to evaluate the symptoms. Parents and teachers are usually also interviewed. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults or children must exhibit symptoms in more than one setting and the symptoms aren't caused by other medical issues, such as seizure or thyroid disorders. History The first step of getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. They might refer you to a mental health professional who will conduct an assessment that includes a thorough medical history and physical exam. The assessment includes standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD and ADD symptoms, as well as psychological tests. Generally, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than adults. The disorder can affect anyone at any age. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD can struggle at workplace or in relationships and are more at chance of developing addiction problems, depression and even criminal activity. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated. Although there were reports of children with behavioral problems resembling those of ADHD as early as the 18th century, the modern ADHD history began with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who noticed that his children were easily distracted and were not focused on tasks. He believed these symptoms were related to the way their brains worked and not due to poor parenting or lazy attitude. The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, the condition was referred to as an hyperactivity-related attention deficit disorder, or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a primary symptom until 1980, when it published DSM-III. At that time, the ADD subtype was removed and the resulting designation became ADHD. KMN Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. This information aids in the creation of customized interventions such as educational accommodations, treatment and plans that boost efficiency, daily functioning and long-term success. In adult testing adhd will conduct a thorough history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the person's life at home and school performance as well as their career. The clinician will also gather information regarding the person's family history and will conduct a family interview. They will use standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD and the ADD/HD symptoms lists and psychological tests that assess executive function, working memory, abilities (abilities such as planning and making decisions) spatial and visual abilities (related to space), and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process includes physical examinations that measure the height, body weight and pulse. The medical history is taken, including prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will also test hearing and vision. The examiner will also look for any other health or behavioral conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to screen for other conditions because many people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. They can be ignored when we focus on the symptoms of ADHD. The person being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nurse person who conducts the assessment. They will ask about the person's behavior in school as well as at home and at work. They will also discuss family and social history of the person, if appropriate. The psychologist may request the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that use research to assess the behavior of people who have and those without ADHD. The person being evaluated should answer the questions honestly and candidly. They should not hold back any information to avoid shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the doctor will review the notes or records of previous assessments. They will search for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that are regular over time and don't change in severity or frequency. They will evaluate the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. In some cases an exam doctor may suggest a medical exam or lab tests to determine the physical cause for the symptoms. These could include thyroid issues and seizure disorder. These tests are not part of the diagnosis, but they can be crucial in identifying other health issues that may be causing or similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure a person gets the support they require in school, work and their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide an array of treatment options and accommodations that can improve efficiency and daily functioning. In addition, a proper diagnosis can help people understand their specific challenges and determine the strategies and coping strategies that work best for them. Psychological Tests If you think you or your children might have ADHD and you suspect that they may be suffering from it, you should speak with a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat this condition. The person you meet will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also carry out a psychological evaluation that may include cognitive and behavioral assessments. This is vital because it allows you to distinguish ADHD from other conditions with similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. During the diagnostic exam, your healthcare provider will ask you a series of common questions regarding your behavior and how it impacts on your life. The doctor will likely speak with your parents and teachers to gain a full picture of the symptoms you are experiencing. This can help determine whether they are related ADHD or if other triggers such as stress or medical conditions could be at fault. The evaluator could also inquire about your family background and any mental health issues that you have had. Write down your concerns and specific behaviors to make sure you don't forget anything. You may be required to complete questionnaires regarding your mood and performance. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS). Monitoring your behavior in different settings, such as at school, home or at work, as well as when you play is an important aspect of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observations your evaluater will document the frequency and intensity of your symptoms as well as the impact of the symptoms on your life. They will also utilize a standard observation form to record the outcomes of the examination. Some behavioral interventions that your evaluator could recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and training for parents. These techniques can help you or your child cope with the symptoms that are associated with ADHD. They can assist you in creating structure and consistency at home, in school, and work to reduce the disturbances that impulsivity and hyperactivity cause. Counseling Making the right diagnosis is crucial to get an effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing data obtained from various sources. This involves analyzing ratings of educational and behavior scales completed by teachers, parents and children, observing the person, and watching them in different situations (e.g. home or school, and at work). The clinician will also assess how the symptoms affect their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships. He will rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and educators to fill out online questionnaires that are sent directly to the clinic. Other clinicians will offer a parent and teacher evaluation in person at the time of the initial appointment. The assessment will also include a review of past evaluations and treatment records. In some cases the physician might seek details from those who are familiar with the symptoms of a person like family members, friends, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will want determine how the symptoms have been present and the severity. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that could be causing their ADHD symptoms. When the results are available, the clinician will discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss how to manage the symptoms. The clinician will often suggest specialized counseling, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies are specifically designed to address many of the issues that people with ADHD have to face, such as the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning, and following through. They can also offer practical strategies for managing daily responsibilities and relationships, as well as teaching strategies for emotional regulation and self-care. In some cases it is possible to prescribe medication to treat the symptoms.