How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many adults who are undergoing an ADHD assessment may exaggerate symptoms or even make them appear. According to various studies (Marshall, et. and. Citation2016 Suhr, et. and., Citation2008) around 27% of people who undergo an extensive ADHD evaluation show no signs of the disorder.
Self-report ADHD behavior ratings have a high sensitivity but low specificity. A more robust method is combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological testing or performance-based measures.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you're concerned you might be suffering from ADHD it's crucial to seek out a professional assessment. An accurate diagnosis can help you decide what treatment options are available and determine whether your symptoms meet criteria for a specific subtype of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined). The first step in getting an official diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with a trained health professional who will conduct an assessment. Your practitioner will review your medical history and ask you about your current health issues. He or she might also inquire about your symptoms as a child, and then as an adult.
Psychology and psychiatry professionals employ guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if someone has ADHD. These clinical guidelines are called diagnostic criteria and they are similar to an inventory of symptoms. The criteria require that symptoms are present for at minimum six months, and that they result in significant impairment in at least two settings of daily functioning.
For adolescents and children, the symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12. Adults should have experienced symptoms since their childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must not be more easily explained by a different mental disorder (including mood disorders or anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, personality disorders).
During a confidential interview, it's important that people who suspect ADHD discuss their concerns honestly and openly. Depending on a person's situation it could be necessary to disclose personal information to the evaluator about dangerous lifestyle habits. I Am Psychiatry for opinions from others who know the individual well is also beneficial. This includes family members, former teachers or religious leaders, scouts, coaches, and employers.
The examiner uses one of the many standard questionnaires to rate your symptoms. These rating scales, which are often referred to as narrow-band scales, focus on assessing the core ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These scales are based upon research which show that these symptoms are not "normal" behavior.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is an essential element of the ADHD battery. It helps the therapist understand the primary symptoms of adult ADHD and how they impact different aspects of life. It also helps the therapist to determine if other disorders are present that mimic or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like depression and anxiety disorders.
The therapist will review the patient's family, developmental, and medical history to determine how their ADHD symptoms have affected their lives in both the past and in the present. The therapist will determine how the symptoms impact the patient's social, academic or occupational performance. They will also check for comorbid conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms as many adults suffering from ADHD have a high percentage of comorbidity with both depression and anxiety disorders (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson, & Larsson Citation2012).
A number of studies have proven that behavioral rating scales are not enough to identify ADHD. However, they can be used to differentiate legitimate symptoms from those that are not. Adding cognitive tests to the behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially improves the accuracy of diagnosis, and combining these measures provides the best diagnostic accuracy.
It is vital that the therapist interview the patient in a candid and open manner. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to feel embarrassed or ashamed about their problems, so they may hold back details during the interview. This could seriously impact the accuracy of the test and lead to an underestimation or false negative.
The therapist should talk to the client about their experiences in various environments, including at home, school, and at work. They should also ask about the person's interpersonal relationships as well as their relationship with their partner or spouse. In the ideal scenario, the therapist should interview both the person and their loved ones so that they can discuss the impact of the individual's symptoms on their lives together. If this isn't possible the therapist may make use of a checklist to help identify the individual's symptom experiences.
Tests for neuropsychological testing
A health care provider who conducts a neuropsychological assessment can test your memory, thinking skills and other aspects of your cognitive function. These tests are usually administered using a pencil and paper in the doctor's office, but they can also be done on a computer. They may include tests on memory like repeating a list of numbers or words. They may also test your ability to read and draw pictures. Other tests assess how quickly you process information, how well identify people or objects and how quickly you determine if two things are identical (visuospatial skill).
The psychologist will look over your medical history to determine if an illness or injury is causing you problems. They'll also ask about your mood and past mental health, including any depression or anxiety you've had. They might interview others in your family, friends, or coworkers to get more information about your conduct and experiences.
A neuropsychologist will provide you with various tests and also look at the results of those tests in comparison to other people who have taken the same tests. This is known as normative comparison, and it's a critical element of the test. This allows your doctor determine if you are performing better or worse than people who have taken the same test.
The results of the test for neuropsychological disorders will aid your doctor in deciding what to do if they think you are suffering from a mental disorder. The results can be used to distinguish between normal cognitive changes that occur with age and real cognitive decline caused by an illness such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's.
The results can be used to guide future treatment, like speech or occupational therapy. Your provider can use the results to determine what skills are lacking and what strengths can compensate for the weaknesses, so they can focus their efforts to improve the abilities. They can also be useful to determine how well you're reacting to any new pharmacological treatment, or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation or deep brain stimulation.
Family History
The symptoms of ADHD can be difficult for the sufferer to control. They can cause issues at work or in school and can cause tension in relationships. Finding out that you have ADHD can make it easier to get help. The process of diagnosing ADHD can be lengthy but it's well worth it. A qualified health care professional or physician can assess whether someone is suffering from the disorder by obtaining information from multiple sources. These include symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior, a detailed history of the person's past and present functioning and information from family members or other significant others who know the person well.
It's important to find a healthcare provider with experience in diagnosing and treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can find an expert at your local mental health clinic or at your school. You can also request an appointment from someone you are comfortable with.
The family health history of your parents is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. It is not uncommon for children of parents with the disorder to also be diagnosed. Your doctor will ask you if there are any family members who suffer from the disorder or if they have been treated.
A medical specialist will inquire about the diet, lifestyle, and genetic history of your family. They'll also ask if anyone has had any serious illness. This will aid in determining if they have other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for determining ADHD requires that the signs of the disorder cause significant impairment in at least two areas of the person's life. The impairment could be the loss of a job due to forgetfulness or inattention, trouble keeping up with homework or paying bills, or difficulties in relationships. It can also be difficulty staying on task at work, spending impulsively or risky driving habits.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms through a combination of medications, diet, exercise and therapy. Without treatment, symptoms can continue to interfere in the daily activities of an individual and cause issues for their families and personal lives. The good news is, ADHD treatment is highly efficient for both children and adults.