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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A thorough ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person who is being assessed and one or more standardized questionnaires that are designed to assess the symptoms. Parents and teachers are often also interviewed. Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to exhibit symptomatic behavior in at least two settings and the symptoms can't be caused by any other medical conditions, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. History Contacting your primary healthcare provider is the first step to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. You may be referred an expert in mental health who will conduct an assessment that includes a full history and physical examination. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are typically included in this evaluation. In general, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than in adults. However, the disorder can impact anyone at any age. Adults with untreated ADHD can struggle at work or in their relationships and have higher risk of substance abuse, depression and even criminal activities. It is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can start. Although there are references to children who have behavior problems similar to ADHD dating back as far as the 18th Century, the modern history of ADHD began with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who observed that his children were easily distracted and couldn't stay focused on their work. He believed these symptoms were due to the way their brains worked and not due to bad parenting or lazy attitudes. 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 didn't recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something essential until the year 1980 when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype became ADHD at the time. KMN Psych's ADHD testing process thoroughly evaluates the behavioral and cognitive patterns of a person, either confirming or ruling out an ADHD diagnosis. This information aids in the creation of customized interventions, educational accommodations and treatment strategies that improve daily functioning, productivity and long-term success. In the first visit the doctor will take a thorough history of the patient's behavior issues and their impact on home life, school performance and career. The clinician will also speak with family members and gather details about the person's previous. They will employ standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD and the ADD/HD symptoms lists and psychological tests that assess working memory, executive function abilities (abilities such as planning and making decisions), visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process involves physical tests that measure the height, body weight and pulse. A medical history is also taken and includes any prescription, over-the-counter and illicit medications taken regularly. The examiner will assess vision and hearing. The examiner will also look to see if other behavioral or health issues are present that resemble the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other disorders since many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing disorders like depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. These are often overlooked when focusing solely on the symptoms of ADHD. The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the evaluation will talk to the person being evaluated. They will ask questions about the person's behavior at home, at school and work. If necessary, they'll also discuss family and social histories. The psychologist might ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that make use of research to assess the behavior of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being tested should answer the questions in a clear and honest manner. They should not cover up any information because of shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the doctor will review any notes or reports from previous evaluations. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are consistent and don't change over time. They will assess the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the individual's daily routine. In certain instances an examiner might recommend a medical exam or laboratory test to determine the physical cause for the symptoms. This could be thyroid issues and seizure disorder. These medical tests are not part of a diagnosis but can be vital in identifying other health problems which could be causing or similar to ADHD symptoms. A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure that a person receives the help they require at school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD could open up a range of treatment options and accommodations that can improve daily functioning and productivity. A correct diagnosis can aid individuals in understanding their individual difficulties, and determine the strategies and methods that are effective for them. Psychological Tests If you are concerned that you or your children might have ADHD then you should seek out a health professional who is trained to recognize and treat this condition. The doctor you visit will ask you various questions to determine if the signs you or your child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will conduct a thorough psychological assessment, which could include tests of cognitive ability and behavioral assessment. The evaluation is crucial because it can help distinguish ADHD from other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic interview the health professional will ask you a series standard questions about your behavior and how it affects your life. The doctor may also speak with your parents and/or teachers to get an understanding of the signs you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other factors 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. It may be helpful to write down a list of your concerns and the specific behaviors that are troubling you, so you will not forget any information. Your evaluator may also have you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and performance like the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS). visit this hyperlink of the clinical assessment for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different settings, including home, school, work, and play. During these observations your evaluation specialist will note the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your life. The evaluator will utilize a standardized observation form to document the results of the observation. Some behavioral interventions that your evaluator could recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These techniques can teach your child or yourself how to cope with the symptoms of ADHD. They can assist you in creating structure and consistency at home, school, and work to reduce the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It typically involves analyzing data from a variety of sources. This includes evaluating behavior and academic rating scales used by parents, teachers and children; conducting an interview with the individual; and observing them in different situations (e.g. school, home, work). The doctor will also evaluate how symptoms impact their ability to manage everyday tasks and relationships. They will rule out other potential reasons for the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians will ask parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires and send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher assessment at the beginning of the appointment. In addition an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records is usually included in the assessment. In certain instances, a clinician may request information from people who are directly aware of the individual's symptoms such as family members or friends, religious or Scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The physician will also be looking to determine whether the symptoms have developed for a long time and how severe they are. They will also determine if the patient has other mental health problems that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, for example anxiety or depression. The doctor will then go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss ways to manage the symptoms. The clinician may recommend specialized counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These specialized therapies are designed to address the various challenges that people with ADHD face. This includes impulsivity, planning follow-through and organization. They can also teach skills such as self-care and emotional regulation and practical strategies to manage daily responsibilities and relationships. In certain instances, medication may be recommended to treat the symptoms.