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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A comprehensive ADHD assessment includes a medical interview with the person being assessed, as well as one or more standardized questionnaires designed to rate the symptoms. Parents and teachers are often interviewed too. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults or children must have symptomatic behavior in two or more settings and the symptoms aren't caused by other medical issues, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. History The first step in getting an diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. You may be referred to a mental healthcare professional who will conduct an assessment that includes a full medical history and physical exam. Standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD, ADD symptom checklists and psychological tests are usually included in this test. ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. However, the disorder can impact anyone at any age. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are likely to struggle at work or in their relationships and are more at chance of developing addiction problems as well as depression and criminal activities. It is essential to obtain a correct diagnosis so that treatment can start. There have been reports of children who had behavioral issues similar to those associated with ADHD in the 18th century, modern ADHD history begins with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who observed that many of his children were easily distracted and could not stay focused on their tasks. He believed that these issues were caused by the brain's functioning 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 condition was referred to as an attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity, or ADD. The APA did not consider hyperactivity to be a symptom essential until 1980 when DSM-III was introduced. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at the time. KMN Psych's ADHD testing process is thorough and thoroughly evaluates the patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning to confirm or exclude an ADHD diagnosis. The results are used to create tailored interventions and educational accommodations as also treatment plans which improve productivity, daily functioning, and long-term success. During the initial visit the clinician takes a detailed history of the person’s problem behavior, as well as their impact on their personal life, 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 the ADD/HD symptoms lists, as well as psychological tests that assess working memory, executive function skills (abilities such as planning and making decisions) spatial and visual abilities (related to space), and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process involves physical examinations that measure height, body weight, and pulse. The medical history is gathered, including prescription, over-the counter and illicit medications. The examiner also evaluates hearing and vision. The examiner will also test for other health or behavioral disorders that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to look for other conditions because many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. When you are focusing on ADHD symptoms alone, these conditions can be missed. The person who is being assessed will be interviewed by the psychologist or psychiatric nursing practitioner conducting the assessment. They will ask questions about the individual's behavior at home, school and at work. If appropriate, they will also discuss the family and social history of the person. The psychologist will ask the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These are questions that make use of research to evaluate the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. The person being assessed must answer the questions honestly and candidly. They should not conceal any information out of fear of shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the doctor will review any notes or records from previous evaluations. They will look for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that are regular over time and do not get better or worse. They will assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. In some instances, an examiner may suggest a medical exam or lab tests to determine the physical cause for the symptoms. These include thyroid problems and seizure disorder. These tests are not part of the diagnosis, however they are crucial in helping to determine other health issues that may be contributing to or similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure that a person receives the help they require at school, work and their community. Continue Reading of ADHD can open up a range of treatment options and accommodations that can improve efficiency and daily functioning. A proper diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific challenges, and identify the strategies and techniques that are most 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 trained to recognize and treat this condition. The person you meet with will ask you a series of questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing meet the requirements for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a psychological evaluation that may include cognitive and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important because it allows you to distinguish ADHD from other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic interview your healthcare provider will ask you a series of standard questions about your behavior and its impact on your life. The doctor may also speak with your parents or teachers to gain more information about the signs you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or whether other factors like stress or medical conditions, could be responsible. Your evaluator might also inquire about your family history and any mental health issues that you've had. It may be helpful to write down your concerns and the specific behaviors that are troubling you, so you will not forget any information. Your evaluator could also ask you fill out questionnaires about your mood and performance, such as the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS). The main part of the clinical evaluation for ADHD is to observe your behavior in various settings, including school, home as well as at work and play. During these observations your evaluator will record the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your daily life. The evaluator will utilize a standardized observation form to record the results of the evaluation. Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator might recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior or cognitive-behavioral therapy. parent training. These methods can help you or your child how to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They can also help you establish structure and regularity at home at school, as well as at work, to minimize the stress caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling Getting the right diagnosis is essential to receive an effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires the use of a lot of clinical judgement. Typically, it involves analyzing data from a variety of sources. This involves evaluating behavior and educational rating scales completed parents, teachers, and children, as well as interviewing the individual, and then observing them at different settings (e.g. home or school, and at work). The doctor will also evaluate the symptoms and how they impact the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships, and other aspects of life. A thorough assessment typically takes one to two hours. Some clinicians will request parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires and then send them directly to the clinic. Others will conduct a parent-teacher evaluation at the beginning of the appointment. In addition reviewing previous evaluations and treatment records is typically included in the evaluation. In some cases the physician may seek out details from those who are familiar with the symptoms of a person, such as family friends, religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and teachers. The clinician will want to be aware of how long the symptoms have been present and the severity. They will also determine if the individual suffers from other mental health issues which could be causing their ADHD symptoms, like anxiety or depression. After the results have been reported The doctor will go over the results with the patient. They will also discuss how to manage the symptoms. The clinician will often suggest specific counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specialized therapies are designed to tackle many of the difficulties that people with ADHD confront, such as the impulsivity of children and difficulties with organizing, planning and following through. They also teach techniques such as emotional regulation and self care, as well as practical strategies to manage everyday responsibilities and relationships. In some instances, medications can be prescribed to combat symptoms.