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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A complete ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview with the person being assessed as well as one or more standardized questionnaires designed to evaluate symptoms. Parents and teachers are often interviewed as well. Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at least two settings and cannot be caused by other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. History Talking to your primary healthcare provider is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. You could be referred to a mental healthcare professional who will perform an assessment, which includes a complete medical history and physical exam. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are usually included in this evaluation. ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than adults. However, the disorder can impact a person at any age. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are likely to struggle at work or in relationships, and are at a higher risk of substance abuse or depression, and may even engage in criminal activity. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can begin. There have been reports of children suffering from behavioral problems resembling those of ADHD from the 18th century, modern ADHD history begins with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Still was a famous pediatrician who noted that many of his patients were easily distracted and had difficulty staying focused on tasks. He believed that these signs were due to the way their brains functioned and not due to bad parenting or lazyness. The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, it was referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something essential until the year 1980 when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype changed to ADHD at the time. KMN Psych’s ADHD testing process is thorough and thoroughly evaluates cognitive and behavioral patterns to confirm or rule out the ADHD diagnosis. This information is used to design individualized interventions and educational accommodations, as also treatment plans which improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term performance. In the initial visit the doctor will take an in-depth look at the patient's behavior issues and their impact on the person's life at home and school performance as well as their career. The doctor will also collect information about the person's family background and will interview family members. They will use standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD and symptoms of ADD/HD and psychological tests that test working memory, executive function skills (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities (related to space), and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process usually includes physical tests that measure height, weight, and pulse. The medical history is taken, including prescription, over-the drug and illicit medicines. The examiner will also test vision and hearing. The examiner can also check to see if other behavioral or health issues are present that mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to screen for co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression or learning disabilities. They can be neglected when you are focusing 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 inquire about the individual's behavior at school, home, and at work. They will also discuss the family and social history of the person, as appropriate. The psychologist may ask the person to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that use research to measure the behavior of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person being evaluated should answer the questions honestly and in a clear manner. They should not hide any information out of embarrassment or shame. During the interview, the clinician will go through any notes or records from previous evaluations. They will look for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that is constant over time and don't change in severity or frequency. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. In some instances an examiner might suggest a medical exam or lab tests to determine if there are physical causes for the symptoms. This could be thyroid issues and seizure disorders. These tests are not part of the diagnosis, however they can be crucial in helping to determine other health issues that may be causing or mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. An accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to ensure that a person receives the help they require at school or at work, as well as in their community. An ADHD diagnosis can open many different treatments and accommodations that improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term achievement. Additionally, a correct diagnosis can help individuals comprehend their unique challenges and identify the strategies and coping mechanisms that work best for their needs. more helpful hints If you are concerned that your child or you may be suffering from ADHD The first step is to consult a health care professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating this disorder. The person you meet will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also carry out an assessment of your psychological health that may include cognitive assessments and behavioral tests. The evaluation is important as it helps distinguish ADHD from other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic interview your healthcare provider will ask you a set of common questions regarding your behavior and how it impacts on your life. He or she may also interview your parents and/or teachers to get more information about the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are caused by ADHD or if other causes like stress or medical issues may be the cause. The evaluator could also inquire about your family history and any mental health issues you've had. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't lose any details. Your evaluator could also ask you complete questionnaires regarding your mood and performance, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS). Observing your behavior in various situations, including at school, at home, the workplace, and in play, is a crucial part of the ADHD clinical evaluation. In these instances the evaluator will record the frequency and severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. He or she may use a standard form of observation to record results. Some behavioral interventions that your evaluator may recommend include a structured behavior plan or cognitive-behavioral therapy. training for parents. These methods can assist you or your child cope with the symptoms associated with ADHD. They can assist you in creating structure and consistency at home, school and help reduce the chaos that impulsivity and hyperactivity cause. Counseling Getting the right diagnosis is crucial to get the most effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. It usually involves analyzing information obtained from various sources. This includes evaluating behavior and academic rating scales used by teachers, parents and children; conducting an interview with the individual; and monitoring them in various situations (e.g. school, home, or at work). The doctor will also evaluate how symptoms impact their ability to manage daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other potential causes for the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough evaluation typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics require parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires that are then sent directly to the clinic. Other clinicians will provide an evaluation of the teacher and parent in person at the time of the initial appointment. The assessment will also include a review of previous evaluations and the treatment records. In certain instances the doctor may seek out information from people familiar with the symptoms of an individual, such as family friends, religious leaders, family members as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The physician will also be looking to determine whether the symptoms have developed for a while and how severe they are. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that may be causing the ADHD symptoms. The doctor will then go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to manage the symptoms. The clinician may recommend specialized counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive therapy. These specific therapies are designed to tackle many of the challenges that individuals with ADHD have to face, such as the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning and following through. They also provide practical strategies for managing your daily responsibilities and relationships, as well as teaching techniques for emotional regulation and self-care. In some instances, medications can be prescribed to treat symptoms.