ADHD Evaluation
To determine if a person is ADHD, an assessment is required. A diagnosis is made according to the signs that first appeared before the age of 12 and interfere significantly with work, school or social interactions.
Rating scales are often used to measure ADHD. The CAARS-L: S is a self-rating instrument with proven validity. The observer version of the CAARS:L:O has also been proven to be valid.
Signs and symptoms
Many children are fidgety, impulsive and have difficulty waiting their turn. If these issues interfere with the daily functioning of a child, and cause them to struggle at school, home as well as in their activities and in their relationships, they may meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Health professionals rely on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) guidelines to establish a diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and affected the individual in more than one setting, including at home and at work. They should also hinder academic, social or professional success.
The physician will ask the patient about their current health issues and if they started symptoms before 12 years old. A thorough mental health history will be taken. The doctor will speak to the person's parents, teachers and other people who know them well about their current behavior as well as their previous school experiences. The doctor will also look for signs that suggest other ailments or conditions could be causing symptoms in the person for example, thyroid disorders and mood disorders, learning disorders and head injuries.
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In adolescence a person may have symptoms that vary from one subtype into another, depending on their age and surroundings.
In the subtype of inattention, a person may struggle with paying attention to details, making careless mistakes, or focusing on tasks and activities. The person may also have difficulty with following directions, paying close attention to detail or retaining information over time. This type of ADHD is typically seen in young children.
The hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is less common in young children. They may be unable to comprehend social boundaries, or waiting their turn during conversations or games. They may interrupt others frequently or engage in risky behaviors such as drug use or sexual activity that is unsafe.
The subtype that is combined of ADHD is more prevalent in adolescents and adults. People with this presentation have at least six symptoms from each of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. As they get older, they might lose some hyperactivity, but suffer from inattention and restlessness.
Family History
Parents who suffer from ADHD may have a higher likelihood of passing the disorder to their children, but genetics alone is not enough to predict whether a child will develop the condition. The environment a person lives in can affect the likelihood that he or will be affected by mental health conditions, and how these symptoms manifest in their life.
A doctor can use the family history of ADHD to determine the possibility that a child will have the disorder. The disorder could make it more difficult to perform at school or at work, and can result in problems with relationships. If your child has a parent or sibling with the condition, a doctor might recommend testing to determine if medications can improve functioning at home and at school.
If a child has been diagnosed with ADHD the child can be assisted by a medical professional to manage symptoms through therapy or medication. If the child is diagnosed with severe ADHD they could be eligible for a Section 504 or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act plan. Students can improve their abilities to learn by applying behavior training, study skills as well as classroom modifications and alternative methods of teaching.
Researchers are determined to discover the root of ADHD and identifying more effective treatments. In addition to medications treatments, they can also include behavior modification and parent education. It is essential to educate parents and children about the condition to decrease stigma and increase awareness. This will also encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD can be different in girls and boys. For example, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more common in males than in females, while inattentive ADHD is more commonly seen in girls.
In several studies, it was found that families with ADHD have a particular profile in their family histories and their developmental histories. This profile is different from non-referred sample of people with ADHD and is believed to be affected by gender. In one study, data was obtained from an interview conducted by a clinical professional. Additionally, there were rating scales to evaluate the characteristics of a disorder.
Physical Exam
During a physical exam, the examiner will be able to see how the patient moves and look for signs of illness or injury. The examination can be performed in many ways and by different people, such as physicians, nurses and other health professionals. It could comprise observations, palpation or auscultation, which are techniques of touching and listening to the patient. It should be conducted in a calm and comfortable setting with privacy and quiet as much as possible. The examiner should make use of appropriate lighting, dim the room for some parts of the exam and provide water and other beverages.
For adults, primary healthcare providers and mental health professionals typically diagnose ADHD. They can refer the patient to a psychiatrist or clinical psychology for a thorough assessment. The evaluation may also include interviews with the person and their family members, close friends, and colleagues, as well as a review of medical and psychiatric history and psychoeducational tests. The tests typically look at working memory and executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
It is crucial that the person being examined be able to openly discuss their symptoms and experiences with their health care professional. The physician will likely ask questions about the effects of the symptoms on a person's life and well-being at home, school or work as well as their relationships and interests. The doctor will try to rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders, mood disorders and head injuries, as well as thyroid problems.
Inattentive ADHD can cause people to have trouble staying still, waiting for their turn, or keeping focus on their conversations or other tasks. They can also lose particulars. They can be easily distracted by activities that are not of a high priority or events outside of their control, like a phone conversation, TV show, or a phone call. They may have trouble organizing their belongings or keeping track of deadlines. They might be consistently late for appointments. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may fidget or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, blurt out answers before they are finished or have trouble waiting to take turns in games.
In general, people suffering from ADHD are more troubled in the areas of concentration and attention than they do in impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, and also have difficulty learning. They are at a higher risk of injury due to their impulsive behavior or insufficient organizational skills and they may have trouble dealing with self-medication (such as using drugs and alcohol) and substance abuse.
add adhd assessment Testing
A patient suffering from ADHD will need to undergo psychological testing to determine a diagnosis. This helps healthcare professionals determine whether cognitive disorders could exacerbate the issue and make it more difficult to treat. It also helps them identify other mental health issues that may co-exist with ADHD.
Psychological tests can include memory, intelligence, attention and language assessments. They can also comprise a broad spectrum scale that tests for mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In certain instances, the psychologist will interview relatives or friends about the behavior of the patient. This is referred to as a collateral or a secondary interview and can be very helpful in getting a clear understanding of the symptoms.
A patient could also be given a neuropsychological test such as TOVA which comprises both auditory and visual tests. The test is conducted by looking at two simple geometric shapes and then clicking a microswitch every time they see the image appear. The test assesses the ability of a person to pay attention and respond to visual signals.
The physician will also inquire about the individual's work and school performance, and how issues affect their daily activities. They will ask whether the patient is unable to remember appointments or loses things or has trouble following through with their plans. They'll ask about their relationships, and if they have trouble managing their emotions.
The doctor will perform an examination of the physical. The patient should wear comfortable clothing and should not wear any jewelry. A medical history will be taken and the clinician will search for signs of depression or anxiety, which can co-exist with ADHD.