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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 assessed and one or more standardized questionnaires designed to rate symptoms. Parents and teachers are often also interviewed. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults or children must have symptomatic behavior in two or more settings and the symptoms don't stem from other medical issues, such as seizure or thyroid disorders. History The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care physician. They might refer you to an expert in mental health who will conduct an evaluation that includes a complete medical history and physical exam. This evaluation includes standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and ADD symptoms as well as psychological tests. Generally, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in children than in adults. The disorder can affect anyone of any age. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulties at workplace or in relationships and are more at chance of developing addiction problems, depression and even criminal activities. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated. While there are references to children with behavioral issues similar to ADHD that go back as far as the 18th Century The modern history of ADHD began with Sir Frederick Still’s observations in 1902. Still was a renowned pediatrician who observed that many of his patients were easily distracted and had trouble staying focused on their tasks. He believed that these symptoms were caused by the brain's functioning and not because of lazy parenting or poor parenting. 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 referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity. The APA did not consider hyperactivity to be a symptom essential until the year 1980 when DSM-III was published. The ADD subtype was changed to ADHD at that time. KMN Psych’s ADHD testing procedure thoroughly examines the patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning to determine if there is the ADHD diagnosis. This information is utilized to develop individualized interventions and educational accommodations as also treatment plans that enhance productivity, daily functioning, and long-term results. In the first visit the clinician will conduct a thorough history of the patient's behavior issues and their impact on the individual's family life, school performance and career. adhd test online will also gather information about the family history of the person and will interview family members. They will employ standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD and ADD/HD symptom lists, as well as psychological tests that assess executive function, working memory, skills (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning (thinking). Physical Exam The ADHD screening process involves physical tests that measure the body's weight, height, and pulse. The medical history is gathered which includes prescription, over the counter and illicit medications. The examiner will also assess hearing and vision. The examiner will also look to see if other behavioral or health issues are present that mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to screen for co-existing illnesses like depression, anxiety or learning disabilities. These can be neglected when you are focusing on the symptoms of ADHD. The psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is conducting the assessment will interview the person being assessed. They will inquire about the individual's behavior at home, at school and at work. They will also talk about the family and social history of the person, when appropriate. The psychologist may request the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales, which are questionnaires that make use of research to assess the behavior of people who have and those people who do not have ADHD. The person who is being tested must answer the questions honestly and openly. They should not hide any information out of shame or embarrassment. During the interview, the clinician will review any notes or reports from previous evaluations. They will search for an identifiable pattern of symptoms that is constant over time and don't get better or worse. They will take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the person's life. In certain instances an examiner may recommend a medical examination or lab tests to rule out the underlying physical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems and seizure disorders. These tests are not part of a diagnosis however, they can be crucial in identifying other health problems that could be contributing to or similar to ADHD symptoms. A timely and accurate diagnosis is vital to ensure a person gets the support they require in school, work and their community. A ADHD diagnosis can provide many different treatments and accommodations that can improve daily functioning, productivity, and long-term success. A correct diagnosis can aid people in understanding their specific difficulties, and determine the strategies and techniques that are effective for them. Psychological Tests If you are concerned that your child or you may have ADHD, the first step is to consult a health care professional who is specialized in diagnosing and treating this condition. The person you see will ask you questions to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing match the criteria for ADHD. He or she will conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which may involve tests for cognitive function and behavioral assessments. The evaluation is important because it helps distinguish ADHD from other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms such as anxiety or depression. During the diagnostic interview your health care provider will ask you a series of questions that are standard for your behavior and the impact it has on your life. They might also talk to your parents and/or teachers to get a better understanding of the signs you are experiencing. This can help determine whether they are related to ADHD or if other causes like stress or medical issues are the cause. Your evaluator may also want to know about your family history as well as any other mental health issues you have encountered. It may be helpful to write down a list of your concerns and the specific behaviors that worry you, so you will not forget any information. You may 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). Behavioural observations in a variety of settings, such as at home, school or at work, as well during play, is a crucial aspect of the ADHD clinical evaluation. During these observations your evaluater will document the frequency and intensity and impact of your symptoms on your daily life. They can utilize a standard observation form to record your results. Some of the behavioral strategies your evaluator might recommend are the use of a structured plan for behavior, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training. These methods can assist you or your child deal with the symptoms of ADHD. They can also help you establish a structure and cohesion in your home at school, at home, and at work, to minimize the disruptions caused by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Counseling The correct diagnosis is crucial to get an effective treatment. This process is highly individualized and requires a lot of clinical judgment. It usually involves analyzing information taken from a variety of sources. This includes evaluating the behavior of the child and academic rating scales completed by teachers, parents, and children; conducting an interview with the individual; and observing them in different environments (e.g. at school, home, work). The doctor will also evaluate the impact of their symptoms on their ability to manage everyday tasks and relationships. They will rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. A thorough evaluation usually takes between one and two hours. Some clinics will request parents and teachers to complete online questionnaires and send them directly to the clinic. Others will conduct a parent-teacher assessment during the first appointment. Additionally an examination of previous evaluations and treatment records is usually included in the assessment. In certain instances, a clinician may request information from people who have direct knowledge of the patient's symptoms, such as family members or friends, religious and scout leaders, coaches and teachers. The physician will also want to know if the symptoms have existed for a while and the severity of them. They will also check if there are any other mental health issues that may be causing their ADHD symptoms. When the results are available, the clinician will discuss them with the individual. They will also discuss what they can do to alleviate the symptoms. The doctor will typically recommend specialized counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These specific therapies are designed to address many of the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face, such as inattention and difficulty planning, organizing and following through. They can also provide practical strategies to manage daily tasks and relationships, and teaching strategies for self-care and emotional regulation. In some cases it is possible to prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.