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ADHD Testing – The First Step to Diagnosing ADHD A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person who is being evaluated and one or more standardized questionnaires designed to evaluate the severity of symptoms. Teachers and parents are frequently interviewed too. Adults or children who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit symptoms in at least two different settings, and the symptoms cannot be caused by any other medical conditions, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. History Speak to your primary healthcare provider is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. You may be referred an expert in mental health who will conduct an evaluation that includes a full medical history and physical exam. This evaluation includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD lists of symptoms as well as psychological tests. Generally, ADHD is more often diagnosed in children than adults. However the disorder can affect anyone at any age. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD may have difficulties at work or in their relationships, and are at a higher likelihood of committing suicide or depression, and may even engage in criminal activities. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis so that treatment can start. Although there were reports of children suffering from behavioral problems similar to those of ADHD as early as the 18th century, the modern ADHD history began with Sir Frederick Still's observations in 1902. Sir Frederick Still was a famous child psychiatrist who observed that many of his patients 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 bad 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 the time, the disorder was classified as an attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity or ADD. The APA didn't recognize hyperactivity as a symptom essential until 1980 when DSM-III was released. At that point, the ADD subtype was eliminated and the resultant designation was ADHD. KMN the Psych's ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the behavioral and cognitive patterns of a person, either confirming or ruling out an ADHD diagnosis. this link can be used to design customized interventions as well as educational accommodations and treatment strategies that improve efficiency, daily functioning and long-term success. During an initial visit the clinician will conduct a thorough history of the person's problematic behaviors and their impact on the person's life at home and school performance as well as their career. The clinician will also gather information regarding the person's family history and will also interview family members. They will use standard behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom checklists and psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) abilities. Physical Exam The ADHD screening process usually includes physical examination that measures the height, weight and pulse. The medical history is collected, including prescription, over-the drug and illicit medicines. The examiner will test vision and hearing. The examiner will also check for other health or behavioral conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to check for co-existing conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. If you focus on ADHD symptoms on their own the conditions could be overlooked. The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment will interview the person who is being evaluated. They will inquire about the individual's behavior at home, at school and work. If necessary, they'll also discuss family and social histories. The psychologist might request the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that make use of research to measure the behavior of people with and people who do not have ADHD. The person who is being evaluated must answer the questions honestly and in a clear manner. They should not hide any information due to embarrassment or shame. During the interview, the doctor will go through any notes or records from previous evaluations. They will be looking for a pattern of symptoms which are similar and do not change over time. They will evaluate the severity of symptoms and their impact on the person's daily activities. In some cases an exam doctor may suggest a medical examination or laboratory tests in order to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. These could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders. These tests aren't part of a diagnosis, however, they can be crucial in identifying any other health issues that could be contributing to or similar to ADHD symptoms. An accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to ensure that an individual receives the assistance they require in school or at work, as well as in their community. A diagnosis of ADHD can open up a range of treatments and accommodations that can enhance daily functioning and productivity. A proper diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific difficulties, and determine the strategies and methods that work best for them. Psychological Tests If you think you or your children could be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a medical professional 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 match the criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a thorough psycho 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 depression or anxiety. During the diagnostic interview, your health care practitioner will ask you a series of standard questions about your behavior and how it affects your daily life. He or she may also interview your parents and/or teachers to gain more information about the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help determine if they are related ADHD or if other causes like stress or medical issues are at fault. Your evaluator may also want to be aware of your family history and any other mental health issues that you have encountered. It is beneficial to make your concerns and the specific behaviors that concern you, to ensure that you do not forget anything. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your mood and performance. These include the Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Attention and Symptoms(CAARS). A significant component of the clinical assessment for ADHD is to observe your behavior in different situations, such as at school, home or work, as well as play. In these instances, the evaluator will record the frequency and intensity as well as impact of your symptoms on your daily life. They will also utilize a standardized observation form to record the results of the evaluation. Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator could recommend are a structured behavior plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These strategies can help you or your child cope with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also assist you to establish a structure and cohesion in your home at school, as well as at work to lessen the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This process is highly individual and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing data taken from a variety of sources. This involves evaluating behavior and academic rating scales that are completed by parents, teachers and children; interviewing the individual; and monitoring them in different situations (e.g., school, home, work). The doctor will also look at the symptoms and how they impact the ability to manage daily tasks, relationships and other aspects of life. A thorough evaluation typically takes between one and two hours. Some clinics will request parents and teachers to complete online questionnaires and then send them directly to the clinic. Others may conduct a parent-teacher examination during the first appointment. The assessment will also include a review of previous evaluations and the treatment records. In some cases, a clinician may request information from others who have direct knowledge of the individual's symptoms such as family members or friends, religious and scout leaders, coaches, and teachers. The doctor will want to be aware of how long the symptoms have been present and their severity. They will also determine if there are any other mental health issues that could be contributing their ADHD symptoms. After the results have been reported, the clinician will discuss the results with the patient. They will also discuss the best ways to help manage the symptoms. The clinician will often suggest specific counseling such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specialized treatments are designed to address the various issues that people suffering from ADHD have to face. This includes impulsivity and planning, organization, and following through. They can also offer practical strategies for managing your daily responsibilities and relationships, as well as teaching skills for self-care and emotional regulation. In some cases medications may be suggested to manage the symptoms.