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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves a medical interview with the person being evaluated, and one or more questionnaires that are designed to rate the severity of symptoms. Teachers and parents are often also interviewed. Children or adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at least two settings, and the symptoms cannot be caused by any other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. History The first step in getting an diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care physician. They could refer you to an expert in mental health care, who will do an assessment that includes a thorough examination and history. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are usually included in this test. Generally, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than adults. However, the disorder can impact a person at any age. Adults with untreated ADHD can struggle at work or in their relationships and are more at chance of developing addiction problems, depression and even criminal activity. It is crucial to receive the correct diagnosis, to ensure that treatment can begin. Although there are references to children with behavior issues that are similar to ADHD that go back as far as the 18th century The modern history of ADHD begins with the observations of Sir Frederick Still in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who noticed that his children were easily distracted and were not focused on their work. He believed that these signs were caused by the way their brains functioned and not because of lazy parenting or poor parenting. The American Psychological Association published its first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952. At the time, the disorder was known as a attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity or ADD. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as an essential condition until 1980, when it released DSM-III. At that time, the ADD subtype was dropped and the resulting classification was changed to ADHD. KMN Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines cognitive and behavioral patterns to determine if there is an ADHD diagnosis. The results are used to create tailored interventions and educational accommodations as also treatment plans that enhance productivity, daily functioning, and long-term success. During the initial visit, the clinician takes a detailed account of the patient's problematic behaviors and the impact they have on their personal life, school performance, and career. The clinician will also speak with family members and collect details about a person's history. They will use standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD and symptoms of ADD/HD and psychological tests that assess working memory, executive function skills (abilities like planning and making decisions) spatial and visual abilities (related to space), and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process usually includes a physical exam that measures the height, weight, and pulse. The medical history is gathered and includes prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will assess vision and hearing. The examiner will also test for other behavioral or health disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to check for other conditions because many people with ADHD have co-existing disorders like anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms alone the conditions could be overlooked. 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 as well as at home and at work. They will also talk about the family and social history of the person, when appropriate. The psychologist might request the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that utilize research to assess the behavior of people who have and those without ADHD. The person who is being tested must respond honestly and openly. They should not cover up any information out of fear of shame or embarrassment. During the interview the clinician will review the notes and records from previous assessments. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are consistent and do not change over time. They will assess the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily activities. In some cases the doctor may suggest a medical exam or laboratory tests to determine the root physical causes of the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. These medical tests aren't part of the diagnosis, but they are crucial in helping to identify other health issues that may be causing or mimicking the symptoms of ADHD. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital to ensure a person gets the support they require in the workplace, at school and in their community. A ADHD diagnosis can unlock an array of accommodations and treatment options that improve daily functioning productivity and long-term success. A proper diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific challenges, and identify the strategies and techniques that are effective for them. Psychological Tests If you suspect that you or your children may be suffering from ADHD then you should seek out an expert in health care who is trained to diagnose and treat this condition. The person you see will ask you questions to determine whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also perform an evaluation of the psychological state that could include behavioral and cognitive tests. The evaluation is crucial because it helps differentiate ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. During the diagnostic interview your doctor will ask you a set of standard questions about your behavior and how it impacts on your life. The doctor may also speak with your parents and/or teachers to gain more information about the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related ADHD or if other causes such as stress or medical issues are the cause. Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history and any other mental health issues that you have encountered. It can be helpful to write down a list of your concerns and the specific behaviors that concern you, so you will not forget any information. Your evaluator might also require you fill out questionnaires on your mood and performance like the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS). Monitoring your behavior in different situations, including at school, home or at work, as well in play, is a crucial aspect of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observations your evaluator will record the frequency and intensity as well as impact of the symptoms on your life. The evaluator will utilize a standard observation form to record the outcomes of the observation. Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator could recommend are an organized behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These methods can help you or your child how to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can help you create structure and regularity at school, home and at home, and work to reduce the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling Getting the right diagnosis is essential to receive the most effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. It usually involves analyzing data collected from multiple sources. This includes evaluating behavior and academic rating scales that are completed by teachers, parents, and children; interviewing the person; and watching them in different situations (e.g. at school, home, or at work). The clinician will also assess the impact of their symptoms on their ability to handle everyday tasks and relationships. They will rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough evaluation usually takes between one and two hours. Some clinicians will ask parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires, and then forward them directly to the clinic. Others will conduct a parent-teacher examination during the first appointment. The evaluation will also include a review of previous evaluations and treatment records. In adhd adult test may ask for details from those who are familiar with the symptoms of an individual, such as family friends, religious leaders, family members as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The clinician will want to determine how the symptoms have been present and their severity. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that could be causing their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will then go over the results with the patient. adhd testing will also discuss ways to manage the symptoms. The clinician will often recommend specialized counseling such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specific therapies are designed to address the many challenges that people with ADHD have to face. This includes impulsivity, planning, follow-through and organization. They can also teach techniques such as emotional regulation and self care and practical strategies for managing everyday responsibilities and relationships. In certain instances it is possible to prescribe medication to treat the symptoms.