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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A complete ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person being assessed and one or more standardized questionnaires that are designed to assess symptoms. Teachers and parents are frequently interviewed as well. To be diagnosed with ADHD children or adults must have symptomatic behavior in more than one setting and the symptoms don't stem from another medical issue, such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorders. History Speak to your primary healthcare provider is the first step to getting 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. The assessment includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptom lists and psychological tests. Generally speaking, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. However, the disorder can impact anyone of any age. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD are likely to struggle at workplace or in relationships, and are at a higher risk of substance abuse, depression and even criminal activity. It is crucial to receive a proper diagnosis, so that treatment can be initiated. Although there are references to children with behavior problems similar to ADHD that date back as early as the 18th century The modern history of ADHD began 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 their tasks. He believed that these signs 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, it was known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA didn't recognize hyperactivity as a symptom vital until the year 1980 when DSM-III was published. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at the time. The KMN Psych ADHD testing process thoroughly assesses the patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. The results are used to create tailored interventions and educational accommodations, as well as treatment plans, that improve efficiency, daily functioning and long-term performance. During an initial visit the clinician will conduct a thorough history of the person's problem behaviors and their impact on home life as well as school performance and work. The clinician will also speak with relatives and gather details about the person's previous. They will use standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom lists, as well as psychological tests that assess working memory, executive function skills (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual 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 drugs that are regularly taken. The examiner will evaluate vision and hearing. The examiner can also check for any other health or behavioral disorders are present that mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to screen for co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety or learning disabilities. These can be overlooked when focusing solely on the symptoms of ADHD. The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner conducting the assessment will interview the person who is being evaluated. They will inquire about the behavior of the person at school in their home, at work and at work. They will also discuss family and social background, when appropriate. The psychologist may ask the person to fill out 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 tested must answer the questionnaires honestly and openly. They should not cover up any information because of embarrassment or shame. During the interview the clinician will review the notes or records of 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 person's daily routine. In adult test for adhd may suggest a medical exam or laboratory tests in order 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 could be vital in helping to determine other health issues that may be causing or mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure a person gets the support they require in the workplace, at school and in their community. An ADHD diagnosis can open an array of solutions and accommodations that can improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term achievement. In addition, a proper diagnosis can help individuals understand their unique challenges and identify the strategies and coping mechanisms that are most effective for them. Psychological Tests If you think you or your children might be suffering from ADHD, you should consult an expert in health care who is trained to diagnose and treat this disorder. The doctor you visit will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct an evaluation of the psychological state that could include cognitive assessments and behavioral tests. The evaluation is crucial as it helps distinguish ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic exam, your doctor will ask you a series of standard questions about your behavior and how it impacts on your life. The doctor may also interview your teachers and parents to gain an understanding of the signs you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or if other causes such as stress or medical conditions could be responsible. Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history and any other mental health issues you have experienced. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to make sure you don't forget any details. You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your mood and functioning. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS). A major component of the clinical assessment for ADHD is to observe your behavior in various environments, including at your home, school or work, as well as play. During these observations the evaluator will record the frequency and severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The evaluator will use a standardized observation form to record the outcomes of the observation. Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator could recommend are a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and training for parents. These strategies can help you or your child deal with the symptoms associated with ADHD. They can help you establish structure and consistency at home, school and help reduce the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling The correct diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires lots of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing data taken from a variety of sources. This involves evaluating the scales of behavior and education completed by teachers, parents, and children, observing the individual, and then observing them at different settings (e.g. at home, school, and work). The clinician will also assess how the symptoms affect their ability to manage daily tasks and relationships. He will rule out other possible causes of the symptoms like mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough assessment typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics will ask parents and teachers complete online questionnaires and send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher evaluation during the first appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of prior evaluations and treatment records. In some instances, the clinician may ask for information from people familiar with the symptoms of an individual like family members friends, religious leaders, scouts, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will want to know how the symptoms have been present for and the degree to which they are severe. They will also determine if the person has other mental health problems that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, for example depression or anxiety. Once the results are in, the clinician will discuss them with the patient. They will also discuss what can be done to alleviate the symptoms. The doctor will typically recommend specialized counseling such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specific therapies are designed to tackle many of the issues that people with ADHD confront, such as inattention and difficulty organizing, planning, and following through. They can also provide practical strategies for managing your daily responsibilities and relationships, and teaching techniques for emotional regulation and self-care. In some instances, medications can be prescribed to help combat symptoms.