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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A thorough ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person who is being evaluated, and one or more standardized questionnaires that are designed to assess symptoms. Teachers and parents are often interviewed as well. To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults or children should exhibit a symptomatic behavior in more than one setting and the symptoms don't stem from another medical problem like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorders. History The first step of getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care physician. You may be referred to an expert in mental health who will conduct an assessment that includes a full history and physical examination. The test includes standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD and ADD symptoms as well as psychological tests. In general, ADHD is more often recognized in children than in adults. The disorder can affect anyone at any age. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulties at work or in their relationships, and are at a higher likelihood of committing suicide, depression and even criminal activities. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis so that treatment can begin. Although there are references to children who have behavior issues that are similar to ADHD that date back as early as the 18th Century The modern history of ADHD begins with Sir Frederick Still’s observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a well-known child psychiatrist who noticed that many of his patients were easily distracted and could not stay focused on tasks. He believed that these symptoms were caused by the how their brains functioned, and not because of bad parenting or lazyness. In 1952, the American Psychological Association (APA) published the first edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. At the time, it was called attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not recognize hyperactivity as a sign of something essential until 1980, when DSM-III was introduced. At that time, the ADD subtype was eliminated and the resultant designation was ADHD. KMN Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the patterns of behavior and cognitive thinking, either confirming or ruling out the ADHD diagnosis. This information is used to design individualized interventions and educational accommodations as and treatment plans that improve efficiency, daily functioning and long-term performance. During the initial visit, the clinician will take a detailed description of the individual's problematic behaviors, and their impact on their personal life, school performance, and career. The doctor will also collect information regarding the person's family background and will interview family members. They will use standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD and symptoms of ADD/HD, as well as psychological tests that examine executive function, working memory, skills (abilities such as planning and making decisions), visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process typically includes a physical exam that measures the height, 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 test hearing and vision. The examiner can also check to determine if any other behavioral or health issues 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. If you focus on ADHD symptoms on their own they can be overlooked. The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner conducting the assessment will interview the person being evaluated. They will inquire about the person's behavior in school as well as at home and at work. They will also discuss the family and social background, when appropriate. The psychologist may ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These are questionnaires that utilize research to measure the behavior of people with and without ADHD. The person being tested should answer the questionnaires honestly and openly. They should not hold back any information for fear of shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the clinician will go through all notes or records of previous examinations. test for adhd for adults will be looking for a pattern of symptoms which are consistent and don't change over time. They will consider the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. In some cases an examiner may suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests to rule out the underlying physical causes of the symptoms, like seizures and thyroid issues. These medical tests are not part of a diagnosis, however, they can be crucial in identifying other health issues that may be contributing to or mimicking ADHD symptoms. A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure that someone receives the support they require in school, work and their community. A diagnosis of ADHD could open up an array of treatments and accommodations that can improve efficiency and daily functioning. A correct diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific issues, and pinpoint the strategies and methods that work best for them. Psychological Tests If you think you or your children could have ADHD then you should seek out an expert in health care who is trained to diagnose and treat this disorder. The doctor you visit will ask you a series of questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child is experiencing are consistent with the requirements for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a thorough psychological assessment, which could include tests of cognitive ability and behavioral assessment. The evaluation is important because it allows you to distinguish ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic interview, your health care practitioner will ask you a series of routine questions regarding your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also speak with your teachers and parents to get an understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related to ADHD or whether other factors, such as stress or medical conditions may be the cause. Your evaluator may also want to be aware of your family history as well as any other mental health issues you have encountered. You can record your concerns and specific behaviors to ensure you don't miss anything. Your evaluator may also have you fill out questionnaires on your mood and functioning like the Adult ADHD Rating Scale or the Computerized Assessment of Attention and Symptoms (CAARS). Monitoring your behavior in different settings, such as at school, home or at work, as well when you play is a major component of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these assessments, your evaluator will record the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your daily life. The evaluator may also use a standard form of observation to record the results. Your evaluator might suggest a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or training for parents as behavioral strategies. These techniques can teach you or your child how to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They can also help you establish a structure and regularity in your home, at school, and at work, to minimize the stress caused by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Counseling Getting the right diagnosis is essential to receive an effective treatment. This process is very individual and requires lots of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing data collected from multiple sources. This includes evaluating ratings of educational and behavior scales completed by teachers, parents, and children, interviewing the individual, and then observing them in different settings (e.g. home, school, and work). The doctor will also evaluate how the symptoms affect their ability to handle daily tasks and relationships and will rule out other potential reasons for the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough evaluation typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics will ask parents and teachers to fill out online questionnaires and then send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher assessment at the time of the initial appointment. The evaluation may also include a review of past evaluations and the treatment records. In certain situations, a physician may ask information from others who have direct knowledge of the individual's symptoms, such as family members, friends, religious and Scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The physician will also need to know if the symptoms have existed over time and how severe they are. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that could be contributing their ADHD symptoms. When the results are available the doctor will discuss them with the individual. They will also discuss the best ways to help manage the symptoms. The physician may suggest specific counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. These specialized treatments are designed to tackle the numerous issues that people suffering from ADHD confront. This includes impulsivity and planning, organization, and following through. They can also teach techniques such as emotional regulation and self care and practical strategies for managing daily responsibilities and relationships. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to help manage symptoms.