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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves a thorough interview with the person being assessed, as well as one or more questionnaires that are designed to assess symptoms. Teachers and parents are typically also interviewed. Children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at minimum two settings, and the symptoms cannot be caused by other medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. History The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is talking to your primary care physician. You may be referred to a mental healthcare professional who will conduct an evaluation that includes a full medical history and physical exam. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are often included in this evaluation. Generally, adult testing for adhd is more often diagnosed in children than adults. The disorder can affect anyone of any age. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated can have difficulties at work, in their relationships, and may be more prone to substance abuse and depression. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis so that treatment can start. Although there were reports of children who had behavioral issues similar to those associated with ADHD in the 18th century, modern ADHD history began with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who noticed that his children were easily distracted and could not stay focused on tasks. He believed these symptoms were due to the way their brains worked and not the result of poor parenting or lazy attitudes. In 1952, the American Psychological Association (APA) published the first edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. At that time, the disorder was referred to as an hyperactivity-related attention deficit disorder, or ADD. The APA didn't consider hyperactivity to be a symptom vital until the year 1980, when DSM-III was released. The ADD subtype was removed and the resultant designation was ADHD. KMN Psych's ADHD testing process thoroughly evaluates the patterns of behavior and cognitive thinking which can be used to confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. The results are used to design individualized interventions and educational accommodations as and treatment plans which improve efficiency, daily functioning and long-term results. During an initial visit, the clinician will take an extensive history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the person's family life and school performance as well as their career. The clinician will also gather information regarding the family history of the person and will interview family members. They will employ standard behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities. Physical Exam The ADHD screening process includes physical tests that measure the height, body weight and pulse. A medical history is also taken, including any prescription, over-the-counter and illicit medications taken regularly. The examiner will also test hearing and vision. The examiner can also check to determine if any other disorders of the brain or body are present that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to check for co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, depression or learning disabilities. These are often overlooked when focusing solely on the symptoms of ADHD. The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nursing practitioner conducting the assessment. They will ask about the behavior of the individual at school as well as at home and at work. If necessary, they'll also discuss family and social histories. The psychologist might ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that use research to measure the behavior of people who have and those without ADHD. The person being tested should respond honestly and openly. They should not hide any information out of shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the doctor will go through any notes or records from previous assessments. They will be looking for a pattern of symptoms that are consistent and don't change over time. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. In some cases an examiner may suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests to determine the root physical causes for the symptoms, for example, thyroid problems and seizure disorders. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, but they could be vital in helping to determine other health issues that could be contributing to or similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A timely and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that an individual receives the help they require in school, at work and in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can open up an array of treatment options and accommodations that could improve efficiency and daily functioning. A proper diagnosis can also help people understand their unique difficulties, and determine the strategies and techniques that are effective for them. Psychological tests If you suspect that you or your children may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult an expert in health care who is certified to diagnose and treat this condition. The person you see will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or child are experiencing meet the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a psychological evaluation that may include behavioral and cognitive assessments. The evaluation is important because it allows you to distinguish ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. During the diagnostic interview the health professional will ask you a series of standardized questions regarding your behavior and how it impacts your life. He or she might also talk to your parents or teachers to gain a better understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This can help determine whether they are related ADHD or if other triggers such as stress or medical issues could be responsible. Your evaluator will also want to know about your family history and any other mental health issues you have encountered. It may be beneficial to make your concerns and the specific behaviors that concern you, so that you do not forget anything. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your mood and performance. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS). A major aspect of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different environments, including at your home, school, work, and play. During these observations your evaluation specialist will note the frequency and intensity as well as impact of your symptoms on your life. The evaluator will use a standardized observation form to record the results of the evaluation. Some interventions for behavior that your evaluator may recommend include the use of a structured plan for behavior, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and training for parents. These techniques can teach you or your child how to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They can assist you in creating the right structure and consistency at home, school, and work to reduce the chaos that hyperactivity and impulsivity cause. Counseling Getting the right diagnosis is crucial for getting an effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires lots of clinical judgment. Typically, it involves analysing information from various sources. This involves evaluating the scales of behavior and education completed parents, teachers, and children, observing the person, and watching them at different settings (e.g. at home or at school, as well as at work). The clinician will also assess how the symptoms affect their ability to handle 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 lasts between one and two hours. Some clinicians ask parents and educators to fill out online questionnaires that are then sent directly to the clinic; others will conduct parents and teachers with an evaluation in person at the time of the initial appointment. In addition an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records is typically included in the evaluation. In certain instances, a physician may ask information from others who have direct knowledge of the individual's symptoms such as family members or friends, religious or scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The doctor will want to know how the symptoms have been present and the severity. They will also determine if the patient has any other mental health issues that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. The doctor will then go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss what they can do to alleviate the symptoms. The doctor will typically suggest specialized counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These special treatments are designed to address the numerous issues that people suffering from ADHD face. This includes impulsivity, planning, follow-through and organization. They can also provide practical strategies to manage daily tasks and relationships, as well as teaching skills to regulate emotions and self-care. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help treat symptoms.